A.J. Brown was purported to be with the Philadelphia Eagles for all times. The star broad receiver, who was initially acquired by way of blockbuster commerce in 2022, remains to be employed by the reigning Super Bowl champions, and he simply inked a three-year, $96 million contract extension forward of final season. You would be forgiven in case you believed Brown is already midway out the door within the Metropolis of Brotherly Love, nonetheless, given the Professional Bowler’s cryptic and standoffish posture amid one other uneven stretch for Philly’s passing assault.
Brown advised reporters this fall he nonetheless loves taking part in for the Eagles, however he is worn extra matted feelings on his sleeves for the higher a part of the final two years. All indications are his once-firm friendship with quarterback Jalen Hurts is now strictly a enterprise relationship (and a streaky one, at that). And regardless of drawing loads of targets from Hurts on the sphere, Brown’s once-dominant manufacturing has been more durable to come back by as Philadelphia adjusts to one more new offensive coordinator. The drama hit new ranges after the Birds’ Week 6 loss, when the pass-catcher contradicted feedback from Hurts and Saquon Barkley about having a optimistic assembly between the trio.
As such, NFL Media speculated this week that Brown is not essentially untouchable in the case of a possible commerce earlier than November’s in-season deadline, acknowledging there’s “rather a lot occurring” behind the scenes.
Does Eagles common supervisor Howie Roseman need to deal Brown? We would guess good cash that is not the case. Roseman, in any case, has already guess huge bucks on Brown with two totally different profitable contracts since 2022, and the wideout has responded by taking part in a direct hand in two totally different Tremendous Bowl bids. However what if Brown actually is discontent, for one purpose or a number of? What if discord stays inevitable so long as he is within the locker room, regardless of teammates repeatedly lauding his friendliness? If Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni cannot resolve lingering variations, be it with Hurts or different staffers, it additionally stands to purpose the Eagles would favor to get forward of issues and recoup a premium asset or two.
Let’s be clear: There aren’t many, if any, trades that may ship Brown out of Philly and make the Eagles higher proper now. That is a legit hurdle for a workforce eyeing a possible Tremendous Bowl repeat. And but, if Brown’s long-term place within the group is in actual query for any purpose, or if the Eagles are satisfied they cannot correctly and sustainably appease their No. 1 wideout, then maybe they actually would hearken to calls about Brown’s availability.
In that unlikely situation, listed below are three offers the Eagles would possibly contemplate:
Potential compensation: WR Alec Pierce, OLB Kwity Paye, 2026 third-round draft decide
The Colts are instantly legit playoff hopefuls atop the AFC South at 5-1. Now may be their time to strike for added weaponry seeking a shock run. And head coach Shane Steichen labored straight with Brown throughout his star-studded 2022 Eagles debut. Pierce is extra of a secondary receiver than bona fide No. 1, however his dimension (6-foot-3, 211 kilos) and field-stretching pace may assist alleviate Brown’s relocation. Paye, in the meantime, is a former first-round move rusher who reportedly drew Brandon Graham comparisons from the Eagles popping out of Michigan in 2021.
Potential compensation: WR Kayshon Boutte, OLB Okay’Lavon Chaisson, 2026 third-round draft decide
Stefon Diggs has been rock stable as Drake Maye’s new high goal in New England, however Maye’s emergence as a dynamic pocket passer may have the Patriots desirous to additional bolster the offensive weaponry (and hopefully overtake the Buffalo Payments within the AFC East). Coach Mike Vrabel, in the meantime, was an enormous fan of Brown throughout their time along with the Tennessee Titans. Boutte is simply 23 and rising as a big-play outlet, so he may give the Eagles some long-term pass-catching insurance coverage alongside DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson. Chaisson is one other LSU product, besides with a first-round status, who’s nonetheless simply 26 and has flashed potential in rotation off the sting.
Potential compensation: TE Pat Freiermuth, OLB Alex Highsmith, 2026 third-round draft decide
Why on Earth would the Steelers deal for Brown once they already spent picks and large cash to land Brown’s former faculty teammate, DK Metcalf, this offseason? As a result of they’re all in on profitable with Aaron Rodgers this yr, and their 4-1 begin suggests they will stay aggressive in roster-building. Freiermuth does not have a serious function in Metal Metropolis anymore, however he would possibly provide each blocking and pass-catching depth as a possible Dallas Goedert successor. Highsmith, in the meantime, is usually nicked up however a confirmed edge rusher (29 sacks, 56 quarterback hits since 2022) to assist fill the Eagles’ blatant want there. Philadelphia may additionally ship one in every of its personal reserve pass-rushers, like Azeez Ojulari, again to Pittsburgh on this situation.
