There’s trouble in paradise, as tensions between quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown could lead to an offseason trade. Originally acquired from the Tennessee Titans back in 2022, Brown is unquestionably one of the best wide receivers in the league and, based on his on-field abilities, a quarterback’s best friend. However, Brown reportedly grew frustrated behind the scenes last year, and his attitude hasn’t improved in 2024.
Recently, A.J. Brown complained about the offense, saying that “passing” was the biggest issue with the current iteration of the team. One day later, edge defender Brandon Graham took to the airwaves, saying that “things have changed” between Brown and Hurts. While the Eagles will roll with Brown for the remainder of the season, there is a real chance the team will trade the wide receiver to a team like the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, or New England Patriots in the offseason.
“I know 1 is trying and 11 could be better with how he responds to things. They were friends, but things have changed.”
Brandon Graham gives insight to the AJ Brown/Jalen Hurts drama: pic.twitter.com/RcouHPGK43
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) December 9, 2024
A.J. Brown Trade Rumors Increase Following Brandon Graham Comments
Jalen Hurts is a starting-caliber quarterback but he has yet to recapture his MVP-caliber play of 2022. If A.J. Brown is upset by Philadelphia’s inconsistent passing attack, then he’d probably welcome a trade to the Los Angeles Chargers. Justin Herbert is one of the best quarterbacks in football, and his ability to accurately push the ball downfield makes him an ideal match with Brown. The wide receiver can do a little bit of everything, and his 6′-1″, 226-pound frame makes him the ideal outside target for a team that needs more playmakers.
Second-round pick Ladd McConkey is the real deal, but the Chargers must find another reliable set of hands in the offseason. Quentin Johnston is getting by on volume alone, and the former first-round pick would probably be better off in a smaller role. The rest of the depth chart, meanwhile, is comprised of washed-up veterans and unremarkable young players. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win with a running game, but adding someone like Brown to the offense will give this team the firepower needed to compete for the AFC West title.
Other Destinations
Every wide receiver in the league would love to play with Patrick Mahomes. The two-time MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion isn’t playing up to his usual standards, but adding an elite receiver like Brown into the mix should fix things. Travis Kelce and DeAndre Hopkins aren’t getting any younger, and while Rashee Rice looks like Kansas City’s slot receiver of the future, the jury is still out on whether first-round pick Xavier Worthy can be anything more than a gadget player. Brown and Rice would be one of the league’s top duos, and if Worthy improves, nobody will be able to stop this three-headed monster.
The future is bright for New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Playing behind the league’s worst offensive line and throwing the ball to arguably the NFL’s worst pass catchers, the UNC product has done the impossible and made this offense watchable. While he’s undergone some growing pains, the rookie looks like the real deal and should be New England’s answer at quarterback for the next decade. Now, the team needs to support him with weapons, and there aren’t many better than Brown. Armed with the most cap space in football, they should be able to trade for Brown and fortify the offensive line.
Main Photo: Mitch Stringer – USA Today Sports
