At a Glance
- GM Howie Roseman refused to rule out trading Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown
- Brown, 28, voiced unhappiness during the 2025 season
- A post-June 1 trade would save $7 million in 2026 cap space
- Why it matters: The Eagles must decide whether to keep a 1,000-yard receiver or rebuild around younger talent
The Philadelphia Eagles opened the door to trading A.J. Brown, their top receiver and one of the NFL’s most productive pass-catchers, during the team’s end-of-season press conference on Thursday.
General manager Howie Roseman faced a direct question: Would he consider moving the 28-year-old Pro Bowler? His answer stopped short of a commitment.
Roseman’s Non-Committal Response
“We talked about this I think at the trade deadline, last time I talked,” Roseman said. “It is hard to find great players in the NFL and A.J. is a great player. I think from my perspective, that’s what we’re going out and looking for when we go out here in free agency and the draft, is trying to find great players who love football. And he’s that guy. So I think that would be my answer.”
The hedge marks a shift from Roseman’s stance in November, when he called Brown “an important part of this team” and said, “you just don’t get rid of guys like that.”
Brown’s 2025 Season of Discontent
Brown’s frustration surfaced during the 2025 campaign, prompting speculation that a “change of scenery” might be necessary, according to News Of Philadelphia. The receiver still delivered on the field, extending his streak of 1,000-yard seasons to four straight since arriving in Philadelphia.
- 2022: Acquired on draft night from Tennessee
- 2022-25: Four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons
- Career Eagles totals: Over 5,000 receiving yards
Contract Complications
Brown signed a three-year, $92 million extension last April that locks him in through 2029. Trading him carries heavy cap consequences:
| Trade Timing | 2026 Dead Cap | Net Cap Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-June 1 | $43.4 M | Adds $20.1 M |
| Post-June 1 | $16.4 M | Saves $7.0 M |
A post-June 1 designation would free up needed space, but the dead-money hit still looms large.
Locker-Room Chemistry Concerns
Tension between Brown and quarterback Jalen Hurts became a subplot last season. On locker-cleanout day, Hurts claimed the air is now clear.
“A.J. and I have talked,” Hurts said. “We’re in a good, great place.”
The Eagles have built their offense around the receiver’s physical style. Moving him would leave a production void and force Philadelphia into a search for a new No. 1 target either in free agency or the draft.
What Happens Next
Roseman’s carefully worded answer keeps every option open. The Eagles can:
- Keep Brown and hope renewed chemistry sparks a rebound
- Field offers while gauging trade value for a proven 1,000-yard receiver
- Wait until after June 1 to limit the cap damage
With the draft two months away and free agency set to open, the franchise must decide whether to recommit to the star who has produced since Day 1 or start over at the game’s most premium offensive position.
