A.J. Brown, Los Angeles Rams
Getty
A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles participates in warm-ups before a game against the Detroit Lions.
The Los Angeles Rams surfaced as a surprising, if not unlikely, potential trade destination for disgruntled star wide receiver A.J. Brown this week, only for the Philadelphia Eagles to decide against moving him at this time, with June 1 looming for talks to pick back up.
LA already has two stars at wide receiver in Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, the latter of whom is due for a contract extension.
Given the context, the Rams’ stance on the situation has become far clearer.
Rams Take Hardline Stance on AJ Brown Trade
A.J. Brown listen to headphones during game warm-ups amid Patriots trade talks.
GettyA.J. Brown #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Rams’ rumored interest in Brown garnered attention amid a bold overhaul of their cornerback room.
However, it did fit the mold of Rams general manager Les Snead’s stated goal of remaining aggressive to capitalize on the remaining time with the reigning Most Valuable Player, Matthew Stafford, under center. That does not mean the Rams are desperate or willing to sit in neutral.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported that it was the Rams who let up first.
“On Friday, The Athletic reported that the Eagles had “serious conversations” about a trade for A.J. Brown with the Rams and the Patriots,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote on March 14. “As we understand it, however, the Rams tapped out of the talks. (It would have been interesting to say the least to see what the Rams would have done with a depth chart including Brown, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams.)”
That fits with the initial reporting on the situation from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini regarding Brown potentially landing with the Rams.
“Last week, I was told the Rams discussed trading for Eagles WR A.J. Brown before dealing for CB Trent McDuffie,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on X on March 13. “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.”
It appears the Rams moved on, at least until June 1, when the situation could regain steam.
Eagles’ Decision Looms Large for Potential A.J. Brown Trade
A.J. Brown, Los Angeles Rams
GettyA.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before a game against the Denver Broncos.
The Rams got a significant update on the Eagles’ side of a potential trade for Brown trade this offseason.
“The Eagles and Dallas Goedert have pushed the void date on his contract back to Monday, league sources told @TheAthletic,” The Athletic’s Zach Berman reported on X on March 13. “They had previously set a deadline for this afternoon.”
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on the situation and how it ties into Brown’s.
“They’ve had plenty of conversations,” Garafolo reported on “The Insiders” on March 13. “For various reasons, they just haven’t come together. There’s a lot of stuff going on with the Eagles.
“In fact, the Dallas Goedert part of this whole thing is a big piece of it. Because Dallas Goedert had a void. And if it triggered, it was gonna be a $20 million cap hit to the Eagles. That got pushed once. As my man, Zach Berman in Philly reported, it got pushed again, now till Monday. That’s a part of it. Because Goedert and Brown are sort of interconnected. The Eagles can’t pay Goedert [via an extension] if they’re keeping Brown, and they can’t take both cap hits.”
Rams in Position of Strength
Les Snead, Los Angeles Rams
GettyLos Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead speaks in his office.
That certainly does not mean the Rams will get involved again, or even be linked to a trade for Brown. There is a growing school of thought that the reporting was an attempt to force the Patriots’ hand, since New England has long been viewed as the top landing spot for Brown.
However, Florio’s reporting makes multiple links between the Rams and at least an exploratory interest in a potential trade for Brown this offseason.
Given how this offseason has gone so far, nothing should come as a surprise.