A.J. Brown, Los Angeles Rams
Getty
A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before a game against the Denver Broncos.
The Los Angeles Rams could have a second major splash in the works following their blockbuster trade for Kansas City Chiefs star Trent McDuffie, this time for A.J. Brown.
Brown, who began his career with the Tennessee Titans, has spent the past four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, winning the Super Bowl in 2024. However, the situation has deteriorated and, after a season of controversy, he remains a potential trade candidate.
The Rams are the latest team to be attached to the mercurial wideout in trade speculation.
A.J. Brown Trade on Rams’ Radar
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown looks up as confetti falls after a game.
GettyA.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after winning the NFC Championship Game.
The Rams’ big trade for McDuffie may have only been part of general manager Les Snead’s plan to be aggressive and maximize their window with Matthew Stafford, and dealing for Brown would certainly fit the bill.
Taken 51st overall in 2019, Brown plays a physical brand of football for a wide receiver. He has logged four straight seasons with 1,000-plus yards and has done it in six of seven campaigns.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Brown turns 29 in June.
“A.J. Brown trade discussions are not dead,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on X on March 13. “Last week, I was told the Rams discussed trading for Eagles WR A.J. Brown before dealing for CB Trent McDuffie.
“Dialogue slowed, but Los Angeles continues to monitor the status of the three-time Pro Bowler with interest. We’ll see where both parties go from here.”
Compensation has been a sticking point.
The Eagles’ reported asking price is a first and second-round pick, or a commensurate package. However, they are also said to have rejected an offer of first and third-round selections for Brown this offseason.
For the Rams, who already dealt away one first-rounder for McDuffie, dealing their other first–13th overall–could be too steep.
The news, while unexpected, is not wholly surprising for Rams Nation.
Rams Trade Rumor Sparks Telling Reactions
Les Snead, Los Angeles Rams
GettyLos Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead recalls a story while in his office.
“No upgrade possibility is too bold for the Rams to explore right now,” The Athletic’s Nate Atkins posted in reaction to the news. “They’re having a few of those discussions, and AJ Brown is one of them.”
Brown is signed through 2029 on a three-year, $96 million contract extension that begins in 2027. The Rams could absorb Brown’s contract in a trade with their books clean (for now)
His cap hits are $23.4 million, $22.7 million, $27.6 million, and $29.3 million through 2029.
“In order for the Eagles to ever entertain trading A.J. Brown to the Rams, it would absolutely require premium assets in return,” The Philly Specials Anthony DiBona posted on X in reaction to the report.
“The 13th overall pick would certainly meet that criteria and is significantly more valuable than the 31st overall pick that the Patriots could provide.”
There is a third possibility that stands out in this situation.
“Not sure why the Rams would trade for AJ Brown when they could just trade back from 13 and take Chris Bell, Turf Show Times Blaine Grisak posted. “Would also not be shocked if Eagles are using an aggressive team like the Rams w/Russini to drive up Brown’s price to Pats.”
The Denver Broncos have also been linked to a potential trade for Brown. That could leave the Rams in a bidding war to add Brown.
That is, if they are indeed still interested.
Rams WR Room Already Top-Heavy
Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams
GettyPuka Nacua #12 and Davante Adams #17 of the Los Angeles Rams watch from the sidelines during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Rams still have Puka Nacua and Davante Adams under contract. Nacua is extension-eligible, which would loom even larger if the Rams acquired Brown in a trade. And while the Rams have no plans to adjust Adams’ contract, they also expect him back next season.
That begs the question of just how Brown would fit into the Rams’ attack if they acquired him in a blockbuster trade this offseason.
Of course, the plan could be to acquire Brown and figure out the rest later.