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The big day in the A.J. Brown saga is inching closer and closer.
A trade involving the Philadelphia Eagles’ star wide receiver could be coming soon, as June 1 has been viewed as a key date in the Brown sweepstakes. As trade rumors about Brown have persisted this offseason, some insiders have said they believe a deal after June 1 is more likely due to the cap hit the Eagles would take from dealing him.
Brown’s four-year stint with the Eagles (2022-25) has come against the backdrop of the three-time Pro Bowler publicly complaining about his role in the team’s offense and rampant speculation about his relationship (or lack thereof) with quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Just last season, Brown told fans to “get rid” of him if they have him on their fantasy football team and that playing “Madden NFL 26” is the only way to find “highlights” of him. Meanwhile, former Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson said in November of last season that he knew “something else” was “going on” between Brown and Hurts.
So, as the Brown saga potentially nears its end, here’s what’s going on with Brown and an explainer on the situation.
Mike Vrabel Addresses Patriots WR Room As Rumors Intensify
A.J. Brown has been linked to the New England Patriots all offseason, with some reports indicating that they’re the likely landing spot for the wide receiver whenever he does get traded.
Well, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, who coached Brown with the Tennessee Titans, didn’t quell the rumors when he spoke to reporters on May 27.
“We want to continue to improve the roster every opportunity that we get, and when those opportunities arise, I don’t know,” Vrabel said. “We’re going to look to strengthen the roster wherever we can.”
Amid the ongoing speculation, Vrabel also highlighted the team’s latest offseason addition in former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs. If the Patriots were to acquire Brown, he and Doubs would be expected to be quarterback Drake Maye’s top targets.
“It’s good to see Romeo out there,” Vrabel said. “It was good to see some of the new faces. It was also a great day to see guys that maybe didn’t get as many opportunities last year, especially Romeo, who wasn’t on our team.”
Even if New England does not land Brown this summer, the team is expected to increase opportunities for its younger receivers. Both Kyle Williams and Efton Chism are in line for more reps during organized team activities (OTAs), especially with Kayshon Boutte not currently in attendance.
“It was good to see Kyle Williams get some opportunities, and Chiz [Chism] … we’re going to look to strengthen the roster wherever we can,” Vrabel said.
What Jalen Hurts Said About The Brown Situation
With the Patriots consistently tied to Brown in trade speculation, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was also asked about the situation. Despite ongoing rumors about his relationship with Brown, Hurts will always cherish their shared success.
“There’s an ‘if’ — obviously, it’s been a lingering thing,” Hurts said of the Brown trade rumors. “But nothing can replace all the greatness that we achieved together.”
What Do Teams Think Will Happen With Brown?
As trade talks surrounding Brown haven’t subsided, there seems to be a growing belief that the star wide receiver will eventually get moved. In fact, executives around the league think that the New England Patriots will land Brown after June 1, The Athletic reported.
The Eagles “remain open” to trading Brown, with conversations between the Patriots and Philadelphia expected to occur again around June 1, “likely culminating in a deal,” ESPN previously reported.
Who’s Interested In Trading For Brown?
Along with the Patriots, the Los Angeles Rams also discussed a trade for Brown during the opening week of NFL free agency, according to The Athletic. Brown has also given the Eagles a list of preferred destinations for a potential trade, which includes the Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, Sports Illustrated reported.
What Are The Eagles Asking For In A Potential Brown Trade?
At least one first-round pick and a top-100 draft pick in any trade for Brown, according to Sports Illustrated.
What Is Brown’s Current Contract?
Brown, who will be 29 at the start of the 2026 season, signed a three-year, $96 million extension with the Eagles in April 2024, a contract that includes $84 million guaranteed and one that doesn’t begin until 2027.
Why Is A Brown Trade More Likely After June 1?
If the Eagles trade Brown before June 1, they would incur a $43 million dead cap hit, whereas if they trade the receiver after June 1, the dead cap hit would be just $16.4 million.
Beginning on June 1 of every NFL year, teams can spread out a dead cap hit for a player in a trade or release over two years, whereas it directly impacts their payroll for the upcoming season if a player is released before June 1.
What Have The Eagles Done This Offseason?
On Mar. 7, Philadelphia extended defensive tackle Jordan Davis to a three-year, $78 million deal. On the free-agent front, the Eagles have signed cornerback and 2022 Pro Bowler Riq Woolen (one-year, $12 million deal) and linebacker Arnold Ebiketie (one-year, $7.3 million deal), among other deals.
The Eagles also traded for wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks in April from the Packers after signing Hollywood Brown in March. They continued to add to their wide receivers room in the draft as well, using their first-round selection on USC’s Makai Lemon.
How Well Did Brown Play Last Season?
Coming off the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX triumph, Brown totaled 78 receptions for 1,003 yards (career-low 12.9 yards per reception) and seven touchdowns through 15 regular-season games in 2025. It marked the sixth time that Brown reached 1,000 receiving yards in a single season in his seven-year NFL career (2019-25).
At the same time, Brown had four games where he logged two or fewer receptions, and he had just three receptions on seven targets in Philadelphia’s NFC wild-card round loss at home to the San Francisco 49ers.
