AJ Brown Could Move for Right Price But Not Before June, NFL Sources Say

Several teams remain interested in acquiring Eagles star receiver AJ Brown, according to NFL sources, but general managers are steadfast that Philadelphia is showing no signs of coming off a very steep price for him and many executives remain unconvinced he will end up dealt.

Brown was clearly displeased with the scope of the Eagles passing game last season, and his discontent was obvious to the point where rival executives knew he would be the subject of significant trade talks this offseason. 

All of that has come to pass, but execs say it will take more than a first-round pick to land Brown in the near term, if he’s dealt at all. Opinions vary as to how motivated Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is to actually trade Brown, but outside interest remains significant.

Which teams seem most motivated?

While no clear favorite exists, several club execs pointed to New England as perhaps the team that will ultimately give up what it takes to land the size/speed game-breaking receiver.

Dealing him out of the NFC may be preferential to the Eagles, and the Patriots still have the need for a true field-stretching deep-threat to maximize the big and accurate arm of young quarterback Drake Maye. 

New England added free-agent receiver Romeo Doubs in free agency, but he has had difficulty staying healthy, he is more of a possession receiver and the Patriots can get out of that contract after a few years.

“I still think it’s New England,” said the general manager of one team that had been probing around on Brown but is no longer in the market.

A personnel executive from another team that was also seeking receiver upgrades said: “I don’t think the Doubs team takes them out of it. The quarterback can’t get paid yet. Brown is a legit No. 1.”

Getting anything done before the draft may be tricky; it would give the Eagles time to draft a potential replacement. Trading Brown before June 1 would cause the Eagles to incur a massive cap charge. Brown is clearly unhappy with the situation and league sources maintain he would relish a change of scenery. It’s difficult to see that happening in the near future, however.

“Howie doesn’t have to do anything now and you’re going to have to really blow him away to get it done before June 1,” said another general manager. 

“I do think he’ll move him for the right price, but not until June.”