Despite the Eagles' consistent insistence that they were not interested in trading wide receiver AJ Brown this offseason, rumors over the past week, coupled with their first-round selection of wide receiver Makai Lemon, prove otherwise.
Leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, NFL insiders, including Adam Schefter, have claimed there was an unofficial deal between the Eagles and Patriots for Brown that won't result in the receiver being traded until June 1, when his dead cap is split over the next two seasons.
There has been a lot of speculation regarding the truth of that reporting, particularly since GM Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni have shut down any questions about trading the superstar, but the decision to draft one of the best pass catchers of this year's class makes it much easier to move on from Brown.
Not only did they draft Lemon, but they traded up to ensure they got him, only furthering the notion that Brown is on his way to New England in no time.
The Patriots look well on their way to making a big splash this offseason for AJ Brown
Because of how instrumental Brown has been to the Eagles' offense since he was traded there in 2022, it wasn't hard to believe that they might not want to trade him in the midst of their Super Bowl window. The duo of Brown and DeVonta Smith had been working, and a quarterback having two receivers who could be considered WR1 is an absolute dream.
The problem is that there had been plenty of bumps over the past four years between the team and Brown, many of which we saw over the past two years.
That was reason enough for most to assume Brown would be moved at some point, and it looks like a reunion with former head coach Mike Vrabel is the way to go. Brown will finally play for the team he grew up rooting for, and although it's much later than anyone hoped for, they will finally have the dominant receiver the offense has been missing for several years.
Now is the hard part, though, as June is still over a month away. It's not an ideal situation to add a new wide receiver that late in the offseason, but when that player is AJ Brown, it'll be worth it.
We'll just have to see what the trade package will include, particularly since Philadelphia had long desired a first-round pick in return. Given that the 2027 draft class is believed to be far better than this year's, most fans say they don't want to see that.
But it might be what gets the deal done, and if it is, then hopefully what Brown can add to the offense will make up for the fact that he cost a first-round pick.
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