Star wide receiver A.J. Brown is still with the Philadelphia Eagles as the week ends. However, recent reports suggest a potential trade involving Brown could be finalised after June 1.
That date is significant because it marks the first day the Eagles would gain salary cap relief if they traded Brown.
Salary Cap Implications of a Trade
Trading Brown before June 1 would result in a $43.5 million dead cap hit for Philadelphia. Waiting until after June 1 would reduce that hit to $16 million.
Patriots Emerge as Frontrunners
The Patriots are reportedly the “front-runners” to eventually acquire Brown, according to several reporters, including CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. Jones stated that what has been true all offseason continues to be true, referring to Brown’s contract. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport echoed a similar sentiment.
Jones also noted Brown’s silence on his situation with the Eagles, suggesting Brown may “understand” a trade is coming. Brown’s silence could be strategic, as “making a public stink does not help his position, especially when he could be on another team by OTAs and minicamp in June anyway.”
Eagles Prepare for Draft Without Brown
According to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, the Eagles are proceeding with their offseason plans as if Brown will not be with the team come Week 1. The organisation will “operate” next week’s 2026 NFL Draft with the expectation that Brown will be traded, according to Darlington.
Darlington noted that things can change. However, he added that even if Philly opts not to draft a WR high, it wouldn’t mean the team has had a change of heart regarding Brown.
The upcoming Draft is considered to have a strong pool of wide receiver prospects. Philadelphia currently holds the No. 23 overall pick in the first round, as well as the No. 54 pick in the second.
Given the reports surrounding Brown, the franchise may heavily consider selecting a WR when their turns come.
- A trade involving Brown feels inevitable.
- The Patriots have been consistently linked as the leading candidate.
- There are still over six weeks until June 1.
Darlington stated that even if the Eagles don’t draft a wide receiver, it shouldn’t be taken as a sign that A.J. Brown will be sticking around.