The Philadelphia Eagles are trying to walk a very fine line with a potential A.J. Brown trade this offseason.
Because of NFL salary cap ramifications, the Eagles could be waiting on a Brown trade until after June 1. In the meantime, they may be adding receivers to prepare for the trade, but they can’t tip off that a trade will definitely happen either. Otherwise, pundits have argued the team will lose leverage in trade negotiations.
By waiting, the Eagles also won’t be able to acquire 2026 NFL Draft capital. But Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox argued that should be alright with general manager Howie Roseman.
Knox proposed Saturday the Eagles deal Brown to the New England Patriots. That’s not a new proposal. But in his newest trade scenario, Knox pitched the Eagles deal Brown for a 2027 third-rounder.
Knox proposed the draft pick could become a second-rounder.
“While we don’t know exactly what’s next for Brown, we do know that a trade before June 1 is extremely unlikely. Moving Brown before then would cost the Eagles an additional $20.1 million in cap space,” wrote Knox.
“Trading Brown after June 1 would save Philly $7 million in cap space.
“A trade isn’t likely to happen until after the draft, and the draft itself could determine which teams are in the market for a 29-year-old (in June) wideout. That picture won’t become clear for another couple of weeks, though the New England Patriots remain a logical destination.
“If Brown is available in June, a conditional third-round pick that could become a second-rounder should be enough to pique Howie Roseman’s interest.”
Eagles Predicted to Land 2027 NFL Draft Capital for A.J. Brown
GettyBleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox proposed the Philadelphia Eagles trade wide receiver A.J. Brown for a 2027 draft pick.
The Eagles have to prefer receiving 2026 NFL Draft capital for Brown. But the team doesn’t have much of a choice if it’s going to get the salary cap savings with the receiver trade.
As Knox explained, the Eagles have a significant salary cap advantage by waiting on a Brown trade. After June 1, Brown will have a dead cap hit of $16.35 million in Philadelphia if the Eagles trade him according to Over the Cap.
His dead cap hit will be $43.44 million if traded before June 1.
Brown has been the subject the trade rumors throughout the offseason. But after he didn’t get dealt early in NFL free agency, the salary cap ramifications of a potential trade became a major discussion point in the Brown saga.
NFL insiders have proposed the Patriots and Los Angeles Rams as the most-likely suitors for Brown. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, though, reported the Rams as out of the running.
Brown posted 78 catches for 1,003 receiving yards with seven touchdowns last season. It was considered a down season statistically for the former All-Pro wideout.
Eagles WR Depth Entering 2026 NFL Draft
GettyBleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox proposed the New England Patriots acquire A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2027 conditional draft pick.
The Eagles have a complicated situation at receiver. They need to add weapons if they are planning to deal Brown. But they can’t give away that that’s their plan.
If the Eagles acquire a direct replacement for Brown, then suitors will know Brown has to be traded, lowering the asking price.
So, general manager Howie Roseman has added receivers that could both work together to replace Brown or support the Eagles WR1 in complementary roles.
In NFL free agency, the Eagles signed Marquise “Hollwood” Brown and Elijah Moore. They also acquired Dontayvion Wicks from the Green Bay Packers on Friday.
That’s in addition to the other receiver starter the team already has — DeVonta Smith.
The Eagles also have Darius Cooper, Britain Covey, Danny Gray, Quez Watkins and Johnny Wilson on their receiver depth chart this offseason.
Eagles Predicted to Walk a Tight Rope With Newest A.J. Brown Trade Pitch