It may be time for the Los Angeles Rams to jump back into trade talks with the Philadelphia Eagles for A.J. Brown.
The Rams have preached collaboration on their decision to draft Ty Simpson.
However, the fallout–and particularly Matthew Stafford’s response–remain sources of intrigue, and Brown could be the most effective form of damage control general manager Les Snead can do for Stafford (and head coach Sean McVay, for that matter).
Former Rams QB Gets Backup on A.J. Brown Trade Push
GettyThe Los Angeles Rams could reshape the narrative around their offseason with a trade for Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown.
USA Today’s Nate Davis wrote about the Rams’ situation and suggested the Rams revisit their interest in a trade for Brown.
“The Rams were widely reported to be in the A.J. Brown sweepstakes in March, McVay later admitting that current WR2 Davante Adams, who literally limped down the stretch in 2025 with a bum hamstring, had also been on the trade block. Guess what? Brown is still available,” Davis wrote on April 29, eschewing the forgone conclusion he will land with the New England Patriots.
“But Snead has another month to figure out a way to get Brown given Philly EVP/GM Howie Roseman can’t reasonably move the mercurial wideout before June 1 due to the penal implications his contract would have on the Eagles’ salary cap otherwise.”
The Eagles’ trade up in the first round of the 2026 draft for Makai Lemon only fueled speculation.
Davis acknowledged the hurdles the Rams could face in getting and after landing Brown.
They include Brown’s target share being part of the issue with the Eagles, and the need to restructure some contracts to create cap space to make it feasible.
Davis also argued that the Rams could be even more potent with Brown as part of a three-headed attack at wide receiver this coming season than LA was with its multiple tight end sets during the 2025 campaign.
Rams Trade Idea Gaining Support
GettyLos Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead has proven willing to be aggressive in trying to land the right target.
Davis is hardly alone in his hypothetical scenario, which includes Adams. Former Rams quarterback Jim Everett, the franchise’s all-time leading passer, is also on board with such a blockbuster move.
“What if…,” Everett posted on X on April 27. “Eagles trade AJ Brown to [sheep/ram emoji] after June 1 for 2027 2nd + 2028 3rd? Philly: 16M dead cap relief in ‘26. Rams: 29yo AJ + Adams + Puka for nuclear WR trio at friendly $7M hit in McVay’s scheme. Win-now in LA? Philly reloads with picks. Unstoppable or too much?”
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listed Brown on his trade big board on April 29.
While he did not list the Rams, instead naming the Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs, he did suggest a package that included a 2027 second-round selection and a 2027 fifth-rounder.
That would be a pittance for the Rams. They surrendered the 29th overall pick for Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie this offseason. The Rams were in on Brown once, and could swoop in with a revised offer.
Rams Addressed A.J. Brown Interest With Davante Adams
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay spoke with Davante Adams after rumors surfaced about interest in a trade for A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Rams initially backed out of trade talks for Brown due to concerns over his long-term health, specifically regarding his knee. That counters the argument about injury concerns with Adams. Adams missed the final three games of the regular season but played in the playoffs.
Similar to their reaction to the blowback over Simpson, the Rams went into damage-control mode regarding leaks about their interest in Brown. That would have included trading Adams.
Snead noted that McVay spoke with Adams after the news made the rounds.
The Rams previously acknowledged that they did not have any plans to rework Adams’ two-year, $44 million contract. Brown is signed through 2029 on a three-year, $96 million deal. The Rams must also plan for Puka Nacua’s eventual extension.
Snead noted that selecting Simpson still allows them to act “chase special” with Stafford. A trade for Brown would do what they hope adding McDuffie will: put the Rams over the top.
Rams Get Strong Push to Restart A.J. Brown Trade Talks