For weeks the rumors of Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown have been in the NFL News cycle. Reports of Brown being unhappy with the Eagles’ offense last season prompted in-season trade rumors early during the 2025 season. Most recently, The Athletics Dianni Russini reported that Jimmy Sexton, AJ Brown’s agent, has been meeting with teams over the last couple of weeks to “gauge trade interest”. This was co-signed by 975 The Fanatic’s John Kincaide. He stated that Sexton would not be looking around for a trade without permission from both Brown and the Eagles.

In order for the Eagles to feel comfortable moving Brown the deal would have to be good. Brown’s contract has been contentious. The Eagles would face a significant amount of dead cap money if they traded him before June 1st. If the Eagles find a trade partner before June 1st, they will incur $40 million in dead cap. A post-June trade would amount to approximately $18 million. Which teams can afford to give up a first-round pick? They would be acquiring one of the best wide receivers in the game.

Well, that is why you’re reading this article.

Top 5 Trade Destinations For AJ Brown

New England Patriots

The Patriots have been the obvious trade partner for the Eagles to deal with regarding Brown. The need for a wide receiver. Stefon Diggs’ potential departure. The Mike Vrabel/AJ Brown connection. All of these factors suggest that a trade deal could be successful. The Patriots’ first-round pick is back at the 31st overall pick. That may not be enough for just straight-up trading for Brown that the Eagles are looking for. That’s even if the Patriots are willing to give up their first-round pick. So, adding more to the pot would be the scenario for the Eagles to send AJ Brown to the Patriots.

The addition of Brown with the Patriots would allow quarterback Drake Maye to continue to develop. There is even talk of having both Stefon Diggs and AJ Brown on the same roster. Diggs would have to restructure his contract to make it happen. The Patriots would also save nearly $20 million in cap space if released. With everything considered, the Patriots are an optimal spot to send Brown through a trade. Plus, the Eagles would not have to see Brown in conference again.

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers may need to be at the top of this list. Jauan Jennings is a free agent looking for a payday. Ricky Pearsall is a talent, but he can not stay on the field. George Kittle is productive but also suffers from the injury bug. And Brandon Aiyuk’s run with the Niners is all but finished, according to GM John Lynch. Adding Brown could be what the Niners need to have stability at the position.

The 49ers have the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Like the Patriots, they will have to add more to sweeten the deal. The deal would keep Brown inside the NFC conference. Brown would get exactly what he is looking for in a Kyle Shanehan offense. The 49ers finished tied for 10th in passing attempts with limited weapons on the outside. Brown would instantly assume the top role in 49ers offense for Brock Purdy. In contrast, the Eagles finished ranked 24th in pass attempts.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Another team is looking for another weapon at the receiver position. This one might be a little harder to get going. The Steelers need another playmaker on the other side of DK Metcalf. Trading for Brown would help. The Steelers also have some money to work with as they have just over $42 million in salary cap space.

The Steelers wlreceivers behind Metcalf were nearly non-existent. Metcalf led all Steelers wide receivers in targets (99) and receiving yards (850). Calvin Austin was second on the team in both categories with 53 targets and 372 receiving yards. The Steelers ranked 22nd in total passing offense last season, having the 11th-worst passing yard production in the NFL. Brown’s playmaking ability would be a complement to DK Metcalf on the opposite side of the field.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

By all accounts, it sounds like Bucs WR Mike Evans will truly test free agency. Should Evans eventually depart the Bucs could be in the market for a new WR1. The Bucs do have talent at the receiver position. Emeka Egbuka showed flashes during his rookie season. Jalen McMillan also showed promise during his rookie season in 2024. And Chris Godwin would now be the top option for Baker Mayfield if Evans does not return.

The Bucs have the 15th overall selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. That would be more than enough for the Eagles to send AJ Brown packing. The Bucs present another high-volume offense that would appease AJ Brown. And with the young talent around Brown with Egbuka and McMillan, the Bucs passing game could be lethal.

Buffalo Bills

If we’re being honest, the Buffalo Bills should be leaving no stone unturned in their search for a new WR1. Despite the promises of a new day for Keon Coleman per new Bills head coach Joe Brady, the Bills’ lack of reliable receivers was apparent last season. Khalil Shakir, the Bills slot receiver was the de-facto WR1 last season. Shakir led the Bills receivers with 95 targets on the season. While it’s admirable for Shakir to step in, it was not enough to help the Bills.

The Bills threw the ball 495 times last season. For what it is worth, Josh Allen was highly efficient with his passes with his 69.3% completion rate. But with Joe Brady coming in as the new head honcho, he will look to make things easier for his star quarterback. The Bills have the 26th overall pick in the first-round if the Eagles truly want a first. And it is another team that is in the AFC. Parting with Brown and not having to deal with him in-conference should also be on the table.

Final Thoughts

Reports have surfaced that the Eagles are looking for a first and second-round pick for the wide receiver. Other reports have stated that NFL executives feel that the Eagles’ asking price is “unserious”. This could be a situation where the Eagles are waiting for a team to blink and at minimum give up a first-round pick. The contract is also something the Eagles will keep in mind if they do want to move Brown.

There have also been reports surfacing that the Eagles have full confidence in fellow receiver Devonta Smith should Brown be moved. The belief is that under the new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion Smith would be able to break out as a true WR1.

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