Three-time Pro Bowler and Philadelphia Eagle wide receiver A.J. Brown may be traded during this year’s NFL Draft. There have been numerous rumors floating around the league regarding wideouts and it’s not stopping with this one. Brown isn’t the first one, 49ers star receiver Brandon Aiyuk is one of the many teasing his trade. However, Brown caught many off guard when he changed his Instagram profile picture to a photo of Tom Brady, raising questions if he has an interest in joining the New England Patriots.
According to a report, several teams have reached out about Brown’s availability but the team shut down any inquiries. Patriots were one of the teams after Brown showed his support for the legendary quarterback after appearing on a podcast to tease his NFL comeback. Brown put on an illustrious 2023 campaign, notching 1,456 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns after having another 1,000-yard season. So it’s easy to see why the Patriots are expressing interest since they have a need for the position.
Brown continues to stir the controversy after following Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett and wide receiver KJ Osborn. This could make many assume that Brown could be on his way to being traded, however, he reiterates it’s nothing beyond that. It may not mean much behind it but it’s still a topic of conversation that eventually led to Vegas’ odds discussing it. According to one odd, they believe the Pro Bowl receiver could be a trade in this year’s draft.
+800 odds mean that an A.J. Brown trade doesn’t look favorable, but there’s still a decent of it happening. He’s the last player to be dealt, trailing other trade candidates like Tee Higgins, DeAndre Hopkins and Courtland Sutton. With that, Philadelphia may prepare to take a wide receiver in the first round.
Odds on veteran players to get traded during the #NFLDraft (@BetOnline_ag).
Brandon Aiyuk +200
Alvin Kamara +300
Courtland Sutton +400
DeAndre Hopkins +500
Tee Higgins +600
A.J. Brown +800— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) April 24, 2024
Three-Time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown May Be Traded During NFL Draft
Are the Eagles Preparing for the Future Without Him?
The bottom line is that Brown’s contract presents a problem for the Philadelphia Eagles. This means that in the next two seasons, the salary cap charges go to $26.5 million and next year to $41.5 million in 2026. It isn’t sustainable for any team especially the Eagles who may eventually draft a receiver. They still need to pick up wide receiver DeVonta Smith’s fifth-year option which will escalate to around $16 million if there’s no extension.
The Eagles may need to do some sacrificing on their part, making Brown take an eventual pay cut. However, this could stir drama since the star has been consistently producing since arriving on the team. This is why Vegas odds the way how it is so the team may move on from Brown. There have been some rumblings that other teams have come to the team about a possible trade, but they shut down all proposals.
However, one should note that a Brown social media change was enough for a team to reach out to his inquiries. This will be something that may come up later. The Eagles may be safe this season but many should anticipate that Philadelphia may listen to offers. Here are some other possible trade fits for Brown.
Trade Fits for Brown
Something’s got to give for Kansas City to finally find their next wideout, right? The Chiefs haven’t had any legitimate starter that will last a decade which is why they let go of Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Also, the Rashee Rice suspension may last longer than anyone anticipates so they need to make a splash to bring in a reliable receiver. A wide receiver-needy team would be the Los Angeles Chargers as well after losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen in one offseason.
They have the No. 5 pick so they may acquire Marvin Harrison Jr.. however, they need a veteran. Brown would make sense to be on the other end of Harrison. The Saints are another option if they want to see an increase in the production of Derek Carr. New Orleans let go of Michael Thomas so that leaves the team needing a veteran alongside Chris Olave.
