“I understand that there’s interest in the A.J. Brown story,” Howie Roseman said, via Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philly. “Unfortunately, I don’t have a home under a rock. But my answer to any question on A.J. Brown is that A.J. Brown is a member of the Eagles.

“From my perspective, anything you ask me about A.J. Brown, I’m going to go right back to that answer. But I understand the interest. I put on TV and I see that there’s interest. But my answer is A.J. Brown is a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.”

New faces in the Eagles receiving corps

Facing the potential departure of A.J. Brown to another team, the Philadelphia Eagles have made it clear they don’t want to weaken their wide receiver position. DeVonta Smith, the team’s main target, will be joined by several new faces.

Coming from the Kansas City Chiefs, Hollywood Brown joined Sirianni’s team on a one-year, $5 million deal. Additionally, Elijah Moore is another recent addition to the roster.

Eagles 2026 receiving corps so far

Key date for the Philadelphia Eagles

The June 1 deadline might be one key reason A.J. Brown remains an Eagle today. Trading him before this date would force Philadelphia to swallow a massive $43.5 million dead cap hit, a move that would effectively cripple their 2026 roster flexibility. However, by waiting until June 2, the team can split that financial burden over two years, reducing the immediate impact to just $16.4 million.

Potential destinations for A.J. Brown

Two teams have shown the most interest in acquiring Brown’s services. On one hand, the New England Patriots, who need a wide receiver following Stefon Diggs’ departure. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Rams, who already have established players at the position, could also be part of the conversation.

On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the Eagles signed Moore to a one-year deal, though financial terms remain undisclosed. His addition creates further uncertainty regarding the future of A.J. Brown in Philadelphia.

Reports suggest that Moore’s signing fuels speculation about Brown’s departure. However, it appears the Eagles will wait until after June 1 to move on from him to maximize salary cap flexibility.

Why June 1st is the key date

The primary reason a trade has not happened yet is financial. If the Eagles trade A.J. Brown before June 1, 2026, they would be forced to swallow a record-breaking $43.45 million dead cap hit immediately.

By waiting until after June 1, the Eagles can spread that cap hit over two seasons:

• 2026 Cap Hit: $16.35 million
• 2027 Cap Hit: $27.1 million

This maneuver would actually save the Eagles $7 million in cap space for the 2026 season, giving them the flexibility to finalize their roster.

The new-look Eagles WR depth chart

With Elijah Moore joining a room that already features DeVonta Smith and former Chiefs star Hollywood Brown, Philadelphia has built a contingency plan that allows them to move on from its WR1 without leaving Jalen Hurts empty-handed.

Darius Cooper, Johnny Wilson, Britain Covey, Quez Watkins, and Danny Gray complete the list of wide receivers the Eagles have. Obviously, awaiting to see what will happen with A.J. Brown.

Rapoport also mentioned that the fact that the Eagles already re-signed tight end Dallas Goedert takes urgency off the team. Hence, the Eagles could have up until June to make a trade with AJ Brown included. The Rams are not likely to pursue Brown strongly now that they don’t have leverage, but the Patriots are still very interested.

Brown has been instrumental for both the success and dysfunction on the Eagles. While he is one of the most unguardable players in the league, he is also one of the biggest divas in the NFL. He creates chaos in favor of and against his team.

DeVonta Smith might be on the verge of a career year

If Brown leaves, the Eagles won’t have to go to the market for a new WR1. In that case, DeVonta Smith would just be “promoted” to be the primary target. He has the talent, he has the skill set, and the familiarity with the team and quarterback Jalen Hurts.

During his five seasons in the NFL, Smith has had three 1,000-yard seasons, and in the ones that haven’t reached that mark, he still had 916 and 833 despite losing games due to injury. If he doesn’t have to share snaps with Brown, Smith could get absolutely unleashed.

Goedert is back with the team and that impacted Brown’s situation

The fact that tight end Dallas Goedert was re-signed gets the urgency to trade Brown a few notches down. The deal provides financial flexibity for the Eagles. Now, the Eagles don’t have to navigate disastrous salary cap penalties.

Thanks to the Goedert deal, the team avoided $20 million in dead cap. This gives more leverage to the team by trading Brown to the best suitor. They can negotiate without a rush.

While Philadelphia has not officially placed the three-time Pro Bowler on the trade block, league insiders report that General Manager Howie Roseman has engaged in serious conversations with both interested parties. Multiple league sources told PFT that the trade is “inevitable.”

The timing of a potential deal is the biggest hurdle remaining for any interested suitor. While teams like the Patriots are making a strong push, the financial implications for Philadelphia change significantly after June 1st, when the dead cap hit for trading Brown would drop from over $43 million to roughly $16.4 million.

Which team has the best chance to land A.J. Brown?

The New England Patriots have emerged as a frontrunner due to their desperate need for an elite offensive weapon after the departure of Stefon Diggs and their significant cap space. Following their recent addition of Romeo Doubs, they still need to acquire a WR1 after Diggs’ exit, and that’s where Brown would enter.

On the other hand, the Los Angeles Rams remain a fascinating “wild card” in the sweepstakes. Though they recently traded for cornerback Trent McDuffie, Sean McVay’s offense is always looking for explosive playmakers; adding Brown to a room that already features Puka Nacua and Davante Adams would create a dangerous trio.

For now, the Eagles appear content to wait for an offer they cannot refuse. If a trade does not materialize before the draft, expect the rumors to reach a fever pitch as the June 1st financial deadline approaches, potentially ending A.J. Brown’s era in Philly.

If AJ Brown leaves, who will be the Eagles’ WR1?

If the Eagles do trade A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith would step in as the WR1. Nevertheless, they would most likely target a top prospect in the draft, using a first-round pick on a replacement.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, if they trade Brown and do not land a top prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, problems may arise. DeVonta Smith is a solid wideout, yet the depth behind him would raise concerns among fans.

Beyond his potential destinations, it’s well known that the wide receiver will not be a cheap player to acquire. The question now is: how much are the Eagles asking to part ways with one of their key offensive pieces?

According to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler, a top executive from the franchise stated that Philadelphia wants a first- and second-round pick for the former Ole Miss Rebels standout.

His time in Tennessee linked him with Mike Vrabel, now the head coach of the Patriots. Will New England be willing to pay what the Eagles are asking for Brown, or will they instead try to negotiate to lower those demands?

Searching for an elite receiver

After Stefon Diggs was released by Patriots earlier this month due to a significant salary cap hit, New England has shifted its focus toward acquiring a true elite playmaker for quarterback Drake Maye.

Diggs provided a solid veteran presence with 85 catches and over 1,000 yards in 2025, but his departure leaves a void that the front office hopes to fill with a high-impact target like A.J. Brown, Mike Evans, or Alec Pierce.

While Brown remains a premier trade target and Evans offers veteran reliability, Pierce has emerged as a compelling free-agent candidate after leading the league in yards per reception, making him a potential long-term vertical threat for the 2026 season.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported the Chargers are “keeping tabs on the situation” of AJ Brown. This would bring one of the most deadly weapons in the NFL to a team in desperate need to give elite QB Justin Herbert a chance to win.

While the Chargers have Ladd McConkey, the fact is there is not a receiver with the quality of Brown on the roster. Keenan Allen is past his prime, and while he wants to remain with the Chargers, he is an unrestricted free agent. Quentin Johnston is a deep threat, but he also is a WR2 at best.

Justin Herbert would have a field day throwing to Brown

Herbert has one of the best arms in football. Having a weapon like Brown would unlock a new level in his game, especially considering Mike McDaniel is the new offensive coordinator of the team.

Brown is elite at every single level of the field, and Herbert could find him in every way possible. Whether it’s in the middle of the field, outside the numbers, or a simple screen pass, Brown will deliver. While the price is heavy, the Chargers must feel like this opportunity is once in a lifetime.

What’s AJ Brown’s contract?

Brown is in the middle of a three-year, $96 million contract extension. Hence, he is under contract until 2029. So, if the Chargers trade for him, they don’t have to worry about extensions anytime soon.

However, as of right now, his contract contains four void years (2030-2033), which entail a massive $53.5 million cap charge in 2030. Hence, the Chargers would likely try to reestructure the contract. Still, that’s only if they land the services of the wideout.

According to reports, the Eagles are looking for a trade partner for A.J. Brown, with the potential asking price already set. However, the Bills are no longer expected to be part of that conversation.

According to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Buffalo’s trade for D.J. Moore closes the door on a potential move for A.J. Brown. Now, the Eagles must look for another landing spot for the star wide receiver with teams still in need of a top target.

A.J. Brown can still join a Super Bowl contender

Despite missing out on the chance to join Josh Allen with the Bills, A.J. Brown could still have a market among Super Bowl contenders. Nevertheless, his options appear to be limited at the moment.

Brown is not the only top wide receiver being closely monitored by contenders. Other wideouts such as Mike Evans, Jaylen Waddle, and Stefon Diggs—who was released by the Patriots on Wednesday—are also strong options for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.

If A.J. Brown truly wants to leave Philadelphia, he may need to put pressure on the front office to pursue a trade soon, as several teams are already making moves for other star receivers while the Eagles take a slower approach this offseason.

During the 2025 NFL season, speculation surfaced that Brown could be moved. Ultimately, no deal materialized. However, those rumors have now resurfaced — and appear to be gaining even more traction.

Amid the renewed trade buzz, details about Philadelphia’s demands have emerged. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Eagles are seeking a “Quinnen Williams-type deal,” meaning it would require a substantial package for any team to acquire the wideout.

It won’t be easy to trade A.J. Brown

In 2025, the New York Jets traded Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. That framework is reportedly similar to what the Eagles want in return for Brown.

Philadelphia appears determined not to accept less than what they originally paid. Back in 2022, the Eagles acquired Brown from the Tennessee Titans for a first- and third-round pick. Four years later, the organization seemingly believes he still commands at least two premium draft assets.

Brown remains one of the league’s top-10 receivers, though his most recent seasons have not fully matched expectations. Reports suggest he has grown uncomfortable with the offensive system, as well as his dynamic with head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts — making a trade a plausible outcome.

That said, it may be difficult to find a suitor willing to meet such a high price. Brown is 28 years old and has just surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in each of the past two seasons, posting seven touchdowns in both campaigns. While those numbers remain solid, not many teams may be eager to surrender multiple premium picks for that production.

During the 2025 season, rumors suggested that the Eagles were open to trading Brown. Reports indicated that the star wide receiver was not fully comfortable with Jalen Hurts, the offensive scheme, or the overall direction under Sirianni. The head coach has now addressed what lies ahead for the Pro Bowl wideout.

“Will A.J. be here next season? I think we’re still in a spot where I can’t guarantee how anything is going to play out into next season,” Sirianni said, per Ari Meirov. “I’m thinking I’m going to be the coach next season, but you can’t guarantee anything past tomorrow.”

One last dance for A.J. Brown?

In 2025, the Eagles promoted Kevin Patullo to offensive coordinator following Kellen Moore’s departure to the Saints. However, the move did not produce the desired results for Hurts and the offense.

Philadelphia struggled offensively throughout the season, ultimately leading Sirianni to part ways with Patullo. Sean Mannion has since taken over as offensive coordinator, ushering in a new system and renewed optimism within the locker room.

With a revamped offensive approach, Brown could decide to stay in Philadelphia for at least one more season. Reports suggest Mannion’s scheme will be more aggressive and dynamic, potentially helping the Eagles rediscover the offensive rhythm they displayed under Moore.

Are there teams interested in A.J. Brown?

If the Eagles were to make Brown available, there would undoubtedly be strong interest across the league. He remains one of the NFL’s top wide receivers and a proven veteran capable of elevating any passing attack.

Teams such as the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Cleveland Browns could monitor his situation closely. However, Brown would likely prefer joining a true contender. Among those mentioned, Denver may present the most appealing competitive opportunity if a trade were to materialize.

AJ Brown appeared on on the Micah Parsons’ podcast and he appears to be eager to stay on the Eagles, but he did spoke about the new-look offense now that Sean Mannion replaced Kevin Patullo as the offensive coordinator.

“Change is not a bad thing. I have the utmost respect for KP. He did a tremendous job and he has a great heart. But I’m excited for the season. I’m excited for what’s to come,” AJ Brown said. That is a straight indictment on how bad Patullo made the offense look in the 2025 NFL season.

Jordan Love praised Mannion’s coaching

Mannion was the QB coach of the Packers last season, so when Jordan Love speaks about him, he knows first hand if Mannion is indeed a good coach or not. Per Love, “They’re getting a very smart coach.” Eagles fans must be thrilled to hear that, as under Patullo, the offense was too pedestrian and predictable.

Jordan Love just had a very good year under Mannion as QB coach. In 2025, he completed 66.3% of his passes for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns and only six interceptions. Hence, the hope is Mannion can make Jalen Hurts take a leap, and therefore, make AJ Brown look like a top-tier receiver again.

The Eagles need to revamp their offense

When the roster has Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and Dallas Goedert, it must deliver. When you pair that with the offensive line that the Eagles have, Mannion has lots of pressure to deliver with all this talent.

AJ Brown had a tumultuous season with the Eagles in 2025. He had plenty of temper tantrums, back and forths with head coach Nick Sirianni and somewhat of a passive aggressive relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Still, no one can deny he is a special player.

The team’s general manager knows it. Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Roseman spoke about AJ Brown’s future. “It’s hard to find great players in the NFL and AJ’s a great player. That’s what we’re going out and looking for, when we go out in free agency and the Draft, is trying to find great players who love football and he’s that guy. So that would be my answer.” That is very ambiguous answer, classic Eagles behaviour.

AJ Brown ended the season on a low

Brown had a crucial drop against the 49ers in the Wild Card Round, which sparked a confrontation with HC Nick Sirianni. During the game, he only had three catches in seven targets for only 25 yards.

Brown barely cracked the 1,000-yard mark this season as he ended with 1,003 and seven touchdowns. He actually has scored seven touchdowns in each of the last three seasons in Philadelphia. However, it seems like he is done with the team, but Roseman would only trade him if something elite is in return.

This would be just one of few changes

Nick Sirianni already confirmed a change in the Eagles coaching staff for next year. However, it remains to be seen if a new weapon arrives this offseason. Jalen Hurts is in desperate need of a bounce back season as well.

What we know for sure is how aggressive and genius Howie Roseman is during the offseason. Hence, no big movements would be surprising if they come from the Eagles. It’s a matter of when, not a matter of if.