thebiglead.com

Rams explored trading $18M star WR amid A.J. Brown pursuit

The Los Angeles Rams have made the headlines with their recent pursuit of A.J. Brown. The Philadelphia Eagles star was, alongside Maxx Crosby, the most popular name in trade rumors ahead of the 2026 NFL free agency.

With Crosby back in Las Vegas, Brown took all the attention. However, the Eagles decided to end their pursuit of Brown. New details about it emerged on Sunday. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that the Rams studied the possibility of trading Davante Adams as part of the moves to free up space (and cap space) for Brown.

Advertisement

MORE: A.J. Brown trade chatter resurfaces with renewed interest in Eagles WR

“So what if they’d made the trade for Brown? It would have left them with Puka Nacua (who’s eventually getting a significant second contract), Davante Adams (who’ll make $24 million in cash in 2026), and Brown (who’ll make $29 million this year),” Florio wrote.

“Per a league source, the Rams — while talking about a possible trade for Brown — were pursuing the possibility of trading Adams.”

Advertisement

Adams’ fully-guaranteed $6 million roster bonus became effective on Sunday. He will earn a $18 million base salary in 2026, his second season with the Rams.

MORE: Patriots massive A.J. Brown trade offer rejected by the Eagles

Advertisement

Davante Adams helped Rams reach NFC championship game in 2025

Aug 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (17) leaves the field after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

After a tumultuous tenure with the New York Jets, Davante Adams joined the Los Angeles Rams. The 33-year-old worked just fine alongside Puka Nacua, becoming a real threat in the red zone.

Adams played 14 games, catching 60 passes for 789 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdowns. The Rams could not move past the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 NFC championship game, and missed a big chance to win it all. Adams and Co. will run it back in 2026, unless a trade opportunity pops up.

—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead—

NFL:Updated 2026 NFL salary cap space for all 32 teams after first free agency wave

MARCH MADNESS:Dick Vitale selects ‘All Rolls Royce PTPERS’ for 2025-26 college basketball season

OSCARS:Full list of nominees for the 98th Academy Awards

WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC:USA-Dominican Republic, WBC semifinals pitching matchup confirmed

GOLF:2026 Players Championship payouts for full $25M pursue

VIRAL:Miami Open introduces Love All Frosé cocktail in eye-catching cup

Read full news in source page