Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown
Getty
Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown
Now knowing exactly how many years reigning MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford has left, the Los Angeles Rams are in full win-now mode.
The team has a solid nucleus of players in place — running back Kyren Williams, wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, tight end Tyler Higbee, linebacker Byron Young, and defensive end Jared Verse — to make another run at a Super Bowl.
And Los Angeles added to it this offseason in trading for former Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie.
But the Rams’ front office seemingly wants to beef up the offense just a bit more to give Stafford the best possible chance on winning the franchise’s third Super Bowl championship.
Why Rams Backed Out of A.J. Brown Trade
Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown
GettyPhiladelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown
One of the initiatives the Rams made to upgrade Stafford’s supporting cast came through trade talks with the Philadelphia Eagles for Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown.
The Rams and New England Patriots are the only two teams realistically making offers to the Eagles regarding Brown. But as Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported, the Rams decided against acquiring Brown after they got scared off by something in his medicals.
“They were talking to the Eagles about A.J. Brown,” Florio said. “They got scared off by some of the – as I’m told – preliminary medical research. They decided, too much of an investment for a player at this age, general wear-and-tear — ‘We’re not going to do it.’
“But they were lining it all up so if they get A.J. Brown, they’d trade Davante Adams. They were looking for trade partners for Davante Adams. Now, they paid him the $6 million over the weekend. It’s done; he’s there.”
This isn’t the first time Brown’s medical history was an issue.
When the Tennessee Titans traded Brown to the Eagles on draft night back in 2021, multiple reports indicated they were concerned about Brown’s knees holding up long term. That may have played into why Tennessee willingly traded him and draft unproven Treylon Burks to replace him.
Where A.J. Brown Trade Stands
Multiple reports indicate that the Eagles are inclined to hold onto Brown until at least after June 1 when trading him becomes much easier to do financially.
“After serious conversations with both the Rams and Patriots, the Eagles will not trade A.J. Brown at this time, according to multiple league sources,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported. “Both teams remain interested, but no move is imminent. If a trade were to happen, it would likely heat up closer to June 1.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Brown prefers to be traded than stay in Philadelphia. So, a potential trade isn’t dead, exactly, but the longer teams have to wait, the less likely they’ll be to pay top dollar.
“Trading Brown before June 1 would cause the Eagles to incur a massive cap charge. Brown is clearly unhappy with the situation and league sources maintain he would relish a change of scenery,” NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported. “It’s difficult to see that happening in the near future, however.”