Trade offers for Eagles’ A.J. Brown: Four potential new teams

While NFL teams are restricted from officially executing trades until the new league year commences on March 11, negotiations and tentative agreements can be struck beforehand. One prominent player frequently mentioned in trade discussions is Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. Although Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman downplayed any trade talks back in January, what if the possibility of Brown being available truly exists?

We enlisted NFL analysts Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano, Ben Solak, and Seth Walder to assume the role of general manager for four different teams and formulate realistic trade proposals for Brown. Subsequently, Eagles reporter Tim McManus was tasked with making a decision, considering what Roseman and the team might prioritize this offseason.

Here’s a breakdown of how our market simulation unfolded, beginning with an overview of Brown’s current situation and concluding with a verdict on a potential new destination for him.

Jump to:
Where things stand
Four offers | The verdict

An update on a potential A.J. Brown trade

Brown has arguably achieved status as one of the best receivers in Eagles history, recording two 1,400-yard seasons and contributing to the team’s two Super Bowl appearances over four years. Last season, he secured 78 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns. However, his frustration regarding the passing game’s deficiencies escalated in 2025 and seemingly impacted his performance.

A video emerged in November showing Brown describing his situation as a “s— show,” and he vocalized his discontent on several occasions before agreeing to CEO Jeffrey Lurie’s request to temper his public complaints. The front office recognizes Brown’s critical importance to the Eagles’ success, but they must determine if he will remain committed to the organization and maintain alignment with quarterback Jalen Hurts moving forward.

Should the Eagles conclude that such commitment won’t materialize, a trade might become necessary. Dealing him before June 1 would result in a dead-cap hit exceeding $40 million, whereas a trade finalized after that date would incur less than $20 million in dead cap. His current cap hit for 2026 stands at $23.4 million.

Any such transaction would initially be painful but would free up long-term funds, which could then be allocated to secure second contracts for rising stars like Jalen Carter, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean. According to the Roster Management System, the team acquiring Brown would be responsible for his $29 million salary in 2026 and approximately $4 million in guaranteed money for 2027. — Tim McManus, Eagles reporter

Four hypothetical trade proposals for Brown

Jeremy Fowler’s proposal:

Why this deal makes sense: Following the Travis Hunter trade in April 2025, the Browns possess two first-round picks (Nos. 6 and 24). They could allocate pick No. 6 to an offensive lineman and offer pick No. 24 to the Eagles for Brown. This move would instantly bolster new head coach Todd Monken’s offense, providing the passing game a vital boost to complement an already formidable defense. In 2025, Cleveland’s wide receiver corps managed a league-worst total of just 1,467 receiving yards.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry, a former Eagles executive, shares a good working relationship with Roseman. Cleveland has a history of making high-profile receiver trades, having acquired Odell Beckham Jr., Amari Cooper, and Jerry Jeudy during Berry’s tenure. Each of these players achieved 1,000-yard seasons in their first year with the Browns.

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Dan Graziano’s proposal:

Why this deal makes sense: Regardless of whether general manager Brandon Beane acknowledges it, quarterback Josh Allen would significantly benefit from having a genuine No. 1 wide receiver to challenge opposing defenses. Furthermore, Brown’s 2026 contract does not represent an excessive financial commitment for a top-tier wideout.

It’s improbable that Buffalo could secure a guaranteed, immediate-impact playmaker at their current first-round draft position. Therefore, utilizing that pick to acquire a proven veteran makes strategic sense. Can there be a more urgent “win-now” situation than Buffalo’s? For the Eagles, receiving a first-round pick for a 28-year-old wide receiver with only one year of guaranteed money remaining on his deal seems like a respectable return.

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Ben Solak’s proposal:

• Eagles receive: 2027 second-round pick, 2027 fourth-round pick (conditional third-rounder), WR Rashod Bateman

• Ravens receive: Brown

Why this deal makes sense: A clear takeaway from the Ravens’ 2025 season was the inadequacy of their current receiving group. While a move of this magnitude might not be strictly essential, they would certainly benefit from a receiver possessing size and contested-catch ability — a trait quarterback Lamar Jackson has lacked throughout his seven seasons.

By acquiring Brown for Bateman, the Ravens can afford Brown the target volume of a true WR1 and deploy Zay Flowers as a big-play WR2, a role more suited to his skill set. In Philadelphia, DeVonta Smith is undeniably set to be the WR1; Bateman represents a quintessential buy-low opportunity for Roseman on a player drafted highly but with modest career output.

Crafting a trade package for Brown is challenging, given his declining prime years and the substantial cost for the Eagles to trade him pre-June 1. Thus, I’m proposing a deal centered on 2027 draft assets, including a conditional selection contingent on Brown achieving 1,000 receiving yards and the Ravens making the playoffs in 2026.

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Seth Walder’s proposal:

• Eagles receive: 2026 first-round pick (No. 31), 2026 third-round pick and 2026 sixth-round pick

• Patriots receive: Brown, 2026 second-round pick

Why this deal makes sense: The Patriots reached the Super Bowl despite a deficient receiving corps, with only one player (Stefon Diggs) surpassing 600 yards. However, 2026 will present a tougher challenge, as their regular-season schedule will be more demanding, and it’s unlikely the field of AFC teams boasting elite quarterbacks will clear a path for New England again. Brown, who enjoyed a successful history with coach Mike Vrabel in Tennessee, is a logical choice to provide an immediate improvement.

Even though Brown’s production dipped last season, underlying statistics suggest he maintained an elite level of play. He ranked sixth in ESPN’s overall receiver score and was among the top 10 in open score. While Brown is not inexpensive, he would offer significant value on his current contract and through his continued high-level performance. The Patriots are giving up their first-round pick here, but it’s effectively a significant trade down since they receive a second-round pick in return.

The verdict: No proposal proves sufficient

Why would I aim to improve other teams while weakening my own? This has been Roseman’s consistent public stance on the situation. Brown is precisely the caliber of player one seeks to acquire, not offload — and this rationale is perfectly sound. Therefore, if I were in the Eagles’ position here, I would exert every effort to resolve the situation internally — and as long as optimism outweighs skepticism, I would decline all four proposed deals.

Let’s assume, for the sake of this exercise, that a trade is the only viable path forward. In that scenario, I would accept Fowler’s offer from the Browns simply because it includes a higher first-round pick (No. 24) compared to Graziano’s offer from the Bills (No. 26). Walder’s proposal includes a first-rounder but necessitates giving up a second-round pick, which would lead me away from that Patriots option. Solak’s proposal involving the Ravens was intriguing, but it wouldn’t net me a first-round pick.

Would there be resistance from Brown’s representatives, pushing for a move to a more established contender than Cleveland? I would anticipate so. However, this serves as a reminder to both sides that the grass isn’t always greener. Sometimes, it’s merely a different shade of brown. — McManus