Rumors are circulating regarding a potential trade of A.J. Brown, a prominent wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. This speculation has emerged during the NFL offseason, prompting an analysis of his possible market value and suitable destinations. The discussions involve hypothetical trade scenarios and projected offers from interested teams.
Background on A.J. Brown's Situation
A.J. Brown has been a significant player for the Eagles since his arrival. However, recent discussions have brought his future with the team into question. Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman has previously addressed trade talks, stating in January that he downplayed any trade rumors. Yet, the possibility of Brown being available on the trade market continues to be explored. His current contract situation, with only one year of guaranteed money remaining, is a key factor in these discussions.
Analyzing Trade Value and Market Interest
The potential trade value of A.J. Brown is being assessed through comparisons with recent trades of other wide receivers of similar profiles. These comparisons provide a framework for understanding what the Eagles might expect in return.
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Recent Receiver Trades:
Stefon Diggs (age 31) was traded from Buffalo to Houston in 2024. Buffalo received a 2025 second-round pick, and Houston acquired Diggs, a 2024 sixth-round pick, and a 2025 fifth-round pick.
Amari Cooper (age 30) was traded midseason from Cleveland to Buffalo in 2024. Cleveland received a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round pick, while Buffalo obtained Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
DK Metcalf (age 28) was traded from Seattle to Pittsburgh in 2025. Seattle received a 2025 second-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick, while Pittsburgh acquired Metcalf and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Based on these past transactions, the projected return for A.J. Brown appears to range from a second-round pick to a third-round pick, potentially coupled with additional Day 3 draft picks. One report suggests that a second-round pick might represent the ceiling of what Philadelphia could expect.
Potential Trade Destinations
Several teams have been identified as potential landing spots for A.J. Brown, with specific trade packages proposed:
New England Patriots: One scenario suggests the Patriots could offer their first-round pick, which is described as a large trade down as they would also receive a second-round pick back. This would allow them to select an offensive lineman at pick No. 6 and send pick No. 24 to the Eagles for Brown.
New Orleans Saints: The Saints are mentioned as a team that could use their No. 8 overall pick to acquire Brown. Alternatively, they might offer a package that includes their second-round pick at No. 42. A potential connection here is the prospect of Brown reuniting with former Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers are described as potentially being the most aggressive suitor, possibly offering their No. 21 overall pick. The addition of Brown could form a formidable receiving duo with DK Metcalf, addressing a need for Pittsburgh since the departure of Antonio Brown.
Contractual and Financial Considerations
A.J. Brown's contract situation presents financial implications for any team acquiring him. The details highlight base salary, guaranteed money, and cap numbers, which vary depending on the timing of a trade.
| Team | Base Salary | Guaranteed Money | Cap Number | Trade Impact (Pre-June 1) | Trade Impact (Post-June 1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $1.17M | $1.17M | $17.52M | $45.35M dead cap | $16.35M dead cap |
| Hypothetical A | $1.3M | $29M | $23.39M | $72.45M dead cap | $49M dead cap |
| Hypothetical B | $1.35M | None | $22.67M | $27.09M dead cap | $11.71M dead cap |
| Hypothetical C | $1.39M | None | $27.56M | $15.39M dead cap | $9.67M dead cap |
| Hypothetical D | $1.44M | None | $29.31M | $5.72M dead cap | $5.72M dead cap |
It is important to note that these contract figures and trade impacts are presented based on available data and may not represent all potential scenarios or complexities.
Expert Insights and Perspectives
Analysis of Brown's potential trade value is framed by the understanding that he is a player exiting his prime rather than entering it, despite remaining a 1,000-yard receiver. This perspective influences the projected return in trade negotiations. Reports indicate that Brown himself has clarified rumors about team meetings, emphasizing his commitment to the current situation.
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Conclusion and Future Outlook
The ongoing speculation surrounding A.J. Brown's trade status indicates a dynamic situation within the Eagles organization and the broader NFL market. While no definitive actions have been confirmed, the exploration of potential trade packages and destinations suggests that such a move remains a possibility this offseason. The contractual details and historical trade comparables provide a foundation for understanding the potential terms of any agreement. Further developments will likely depend on decisions made by the Philadelphia Eagles' front office.
Sources Used:
ESPN (Published 14 hours ago): https://www.espnlacrosse.com/2026/02/19/our-simulated-trade-market-for-a-j-brown-which-teams-should-be-interested-in-the-star-wr/
Context: This source initiates the discussion about a simulated trade market for A.J. Brown and identifies teams that might be interested.
ESPN (Published 2 hours ago): https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/47955379/2026-nfl-offseason-trade-offers-best-deals-aj-brown-eagles
Context: This article details specific trade offers, including one from the Patriots, and touches upon the Eagles' general manager's previous statements.
CBS Sports (Published 2 days ago): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/a-j-brown-mock-trades-rumors-eagles-wr/
Context: This source provides recent trade comparables for wide receivers and uses them to estimate Brown's trade value, framing him as a player exiting his prime.
Sporting News (Published 6 days ago): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/aj-brown-trade-rumors-best-fits-landing-spots/dc40d0ddb5f6d8ded3d84842
Context: This article identifies potential landing spots and specific draft pick offers from teams like the Saints and Steelers, also mentioning Kellen Moore's potential role.
TWSN (Published 6 days ago): https://twsn.net/2026/02/12/five-nfl-teams-that-should-trade-for-aj-brown/
Context: This source lists teams that should pursue a trade for A.J. Brown and highlights the potential impact on their receiving corps.
USA Today (Published Oct 11, 2025): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/10/11/aj-brown-trade-rumors-landing-spots/86647897007/
Context: This article provides specific details on A.J. Brown's contract and the financial implications (dead cap, cap savings) for the Eagles if he were traded or cut, along with listing potential landing spots.
Heavy (Published 2 days ago): https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/aj-brown-5-potential-trade-packages/
Context: This source discusses potential trade packages for A.J. Brown and acknowledges the factors of his contract and dead cap hit in any trade conversation.
