A.J. Brown’s future with the Philadelphia Eagles remains uncertain, but a trade is not likely to happen anytime soon. The star receiver has been productive during his time in Philly, racking up 339 receptions for 5,034 yards and 32 touchdowns over 62 games.
However, moving him could still be several months away. The Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots were both linked to Brown early in the process. The Rams have reportedly pulled out of discussions, leaving Mike Vrabel’s Patriots as the primary team still pursuing a deal.
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New England brought in Romeo Doubs on a four-year, $68 million contract during free agency, but the front office continues searching for additional weapons at wide receiver. The Patriots maintain interest in Brown, though talks have stalled as NFL free agency has slowed down.
Patriots remain in A.J. Brown sweepstakes
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, New England is the only legitimate trade partner at this point, but several obstacles remain before any deal gets finalized.
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“Originally, I would say, there were four teams that were interested that Brown would really like to go to. In the end, probably two. The Rams were one, and they looked into it deeply, ultimately decided it was not for them, and they are essentially out on this situation,” Rapoport said. “The New England Patriots, who have had consistent dialogue with Eagles and A.J. Brown, they are still in it.”
Eagles’ A.J. Brown trade talk now revolves around one key date
The financial side is where things get tricky. Trading Brown before June 1 would stick Philadelphia with roughly $40 million in dead cap space. Waiting until after that date cuts the hit down to about $20 million, which is a significant difference for a team managing its salary cap.
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Rapoport pointed to the cap implications as a major factor slowing down progress, even when momentum seemed to be building toward a deal.
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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ. Brown
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ. Brown warms up on the field before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The timing also affects what draft compensation would be involved. A trade before June 1 would likely include picks from the 2026 draft, while waiting until after that date would shift things to 2027 selections.
Rapoport added that delaying the trade into June would not create any real issues from a football standpoint, since the regular season does not begin until September.
Whether Brown ends up in New England or somewhere else, a summer trade would give him plenty of time to get acclimated.
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