The NFL Draft is approaching as free agency begins to settle. Teams shifted their focus to this next phase while continuing to monitor the trade market.
One of the most persistent names on the trade block is Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. Since the 2025 season, rumors consistently surrounded his future with the team.
Advertisement
MORE: Eagles’ 6-year veteran, ‘angry’ and ‘bitter,’ announces NFL retirement at 30
Reports indicate that Brown prefers a fresh start. Many have linked him to a potential reunion with his former head coach, Mike Vrabel.
Sep 21, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ. Brown (11) and running back Saquon Barkley (26) during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Despite the speculation, the Eagles turned down multiple trade offers for Brown, including one from Vrabel and the New England Patriots.
Advertisement
With Brown seemingly ready to move on and several teams showing interest, the question becomes clear: why haven’t the Eagles made a deal?
If Philadelphia trades him before the draft, it could acquire valuable draft capital and put a plan in place to replace him. However, the situation ultimately comes down to guaranteed money.
Advertisement
MORE: $96 million star eyed as new playmaker for Chiefs Patrick Mahomes amid rumors
According to Spotrac and Over the Cap, Brown received a guaranteed payment on March 13. That payment would trigger roughly $20 million in dead cap if the Eagles traded him before June 1.
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
As a result, the Eagles will likely hold onto Brown for now. The ideal window to move him appears to have passed — reportedly the Friday of the new league year.
Now, both Brown and the Eagles will face a longer wait before any potential move materializes. Maybe the Eagles won’t get as strong of offers as they were before. Then what will they do?
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead—
MARCH MADNESS:Predicting March Madness upsets in the 2026 NCAA Tournament
NFL DRAFT:New Mel Kiper NFL mock draft shows major impact of free agency
MLB:Dodgers announce Shohei Ohtani’s spring training pitching debut
NHL:Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl out for regular season with lower-body injury
ENTERTAINMENT:Is ‘Bachelorette’ still airing amid Taylor Frankie Paul domestic dispute allegations?
VIRAL:Livvy Dunne shares ‘Baywatch’ training with BTS swimsuit, set photos