The trade negotiations over Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown have reportedly been reduced to a faint murmur.
Both the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots are said to be interested in Brown, whose apparent displeasure in Philadelphia was running storyline throughout 2025, but sources told The Athletic no trade is imminent.
Things could change with the weather, but at least for now, the Rams appear to be out of the running for the three-time All-Pro after focusing their assets on defense.
Just last week, LA swapped its first-round, fifth-round and sixth-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft as well as the team’s third rounder in 2027 for Kansas City Chiefs star cornerback, Trent McDuffie. The Rams have since signed the All-Pro to a four-year, $124 million contract extension.
Besides, the Rams have $33.8 million in cap space tied up with receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, the latter of whom is in line for a massive contract extension.
It’s still unclear if the Patriots will add Brown, a soon-to-be 30-year-old receiver rumored to be interested in a new contract after the 2026 season. But as one league source told Pro Football Talk, New England remains the favorite to land the Ole Miss product.
AJ Brown was discussed in trades negotiations but a deal isn’t imminent, according to reports
Another source told PFT’s Mike Florio that the Eagles are facing a difficult salary-cap situation if they choose to keep Brown, who has a $23 million cap figure in 2026.
League sources previously told The Athletic that the Eagles had a high asking price for Brown, while long-time NFL insider Josina Anderson reported last week that Philadelphia was easing off its initial demand.
‘[The Eagles] already have 4 top 100 picks this year,’ a source told Anderson. ‘Easier for the other team to give their 1st-round pick next year, than this year… next year’s draft class is stronger.’
Last week, Anderson reported that the Patriots are unwilling to surrender a first-round pick for Brown, who is coming off his fourth-consecutive 1,000-yard season.
A.J. Brown (11) scores a touchdown past Minnesota Vikings safety Joshua Metellus (44)
New England recently released its top receiver from the 2025 Super Bowl run, Stefon Diggs, but has since added Green Bay Packers veteran Romeo Doubs on a four-year deal with up to $80 million.
As the Packers’ second option, Doubs hauled in a career-high 724 yards and averaged a career-best 13.2 yards per catch while scoring six touchdowns in 2025. The University of Nevada product also managed eight catches for 124 yards and a touchdown in the Packers’ lone playoff game this season.
But his presence doesn’t preclude New England from acquiring Brown. Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf has refused to put a deadline on any trade negotiations involving the veteran receiver.
‘I think the only real deadlines you have are salary-cap related,’ Wolf recently told reporters. ‘For instance, did we spend money in free agency that would take us out of something else? But I wouldn’t say there’s a deadline on trying to improve the team.’
