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Four NFL Teams That Should Be Eyeing a WR Upgrade - and Why A.J. Brown Could Be the Answer
As the NFL offseason gets underway, four teams stand out as potential buyers in the wide receiver market: the Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and San Francisco 49ers. Each franchise enters the spring with a different set of needs and circumstances, but they all share one thing in common - a glaring need for a reliable playmaker on the outside.
Let’s break down why each team is in the market, and why a potential A.J. Brown trade could shake up the landscape.
San Francisco 49ers: Contenders in Crisis at WR
The 49ers are coming off another deep playoff run, but the wide receiver room could look very different by Week 1. Brandon Aiyuk’s future in San Francisco is cloudy at best - he’s not expected back in 2026 - and Jauan Jennings is set to hit free agency. Add in George Kittle’s Achilles injury, which could sideline him to start the season, and suddenly one of the league’s most balanced offenses is dangerously thin on pass-catching options.
San Francisco is built to win now, and Kyle Shanahan knows the clock is ticking. That makes a potential move for a veteran receiver not just smart - but necessary.
Las Vegas Raiders: Rookie QB Incoming, But Who’s He Throwing To?
The Raiders are expected to use the No. 1 overall pick on a quarterback - likely Fernando Mendoza - and while that’s cause for excitement in Vegas, the supporting cast at wide receiver is a major concern. Outside of Davante Adams, the cupboard is pretty bare. And asking a rookie QB to thrive without reliable targets is a tough ask, even for a top prospect.
Las Vegas has the cap space and the motivation to swing big. A receiver like A.J. Brown, who thrives after the catch and can take pressure off a young quarterback, would be a perfect fit in a system that needs immediate playmaking help.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Champs Have a WR Problem
The Chiefs may have hoisted the Lombardi again, but even dynasties have weak spots - and wide receiver was one of them in 2025. Rashee Rice showed promise, but his legal situation clouds his future. Xavier Worthy, meanwhile, didn’t quite live up to expectations in his rookie season.
With Patrick Mahomes still in his prime, Kansas City can’t afford to roll into 2026 with question marks at such a critical position. The cap situation is a major hurdle - the Chiefs are tight against the ceiling - but if there’s a way to get creative, they’ll explore it. Packaging young talent in a trade might be their best shot.
Denver Broncos: Bo Nix Needs a No. 1
Bo Nix showed enough in his rookie year to give Denver hope, but the Broncos still need to surround him with more firepower. Courtland Sutton remains on the roster, but he can’t do it alone. If Denver wants to take the next step, especially in a competitive AFC West, adding a proven target should be high on the priority list.
The Broncos are in a win-now window after a solid 2025, and they’re built to support a move like this - both financially and structurally. A.J. Brown would give them a true alpha receiver and help accelerate Nix’s development.
Enter A.J. Brown: The Trade Chip That Could Shift the Balance
A.J. Brown’s name is starting to swirl in trade chatter, and it’s not just smoke.
According to reports, some NFL executives believe the Eagles will at least listen to offers for the Pro Bowl wideout. Brown has reportedly grown frustrated with his role in the offense and the overall inconsistency of Philly’s attack in recent seasons.
Now, trading a player of Brown’s caliber wouldn’t come cheap - and it wouldn’t be painless. The Eagles would take on a significant dead cap hit if they moved him, and replacing him wouldn’t be easy. But if the relationship has truly soured, and if the right offer comes along, it’s not out of the question.
Who’s Got the Edge in a Potential Trade?
If a trade does materialize, the 49ers might be the most aggressive suitor. Their need is immediate, and their offensive system is tailor-made for a physical, dynamic receiver like Brown. Denver isn’t far behind - the Broncos have the roster and urgency to make a bold move.
Las Vegas has the cap flexibility and the incentive to build around a rookie QB, which makes them a dark horse in the race. Kansas City, meanwhile, would have the toughest road - their cap situation is tight, and they’d likely have to get creative with draft picks or young talent to make something work.
Still, in today’s NFL, nothing is off the table. If Brown does hit the trade block, expect all four teams to at least make the call. A player of his caliber doesn’t become available often - and for teams on the cusp, this could be the move that tips the scales.
Bottom Line:
A.J.
Brown may not be the easiest player to acquire, but for these four teams, the reward could outweigh the risk. Whether it’s a rookie-led rebuild in Vegas, a Mahomes-led reload in Kansas City, or a Super Bowl push in San Francisco or Denver, the need is real - and the opportunity might be, too.