The AJ Brown trade discussions have been an ongoing issue for the Philadelphia Eagles for some time now. They have a clearly disgruntled receiver, but that receiver just so happens to be one of the best in the league. Should they trade him and give him what he wants, or should they keep a frustrated Brown around?

The Pros Of Trading AJ Brown

aj brown
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown (11) is unable to make a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Eagles’ trading Brown would bring some positives despite the loss of a talented player. A trade would allow Devonta Smith to step into a bigger role, fully maximizing his untapped potential. He has shown he is one of the best WR2s in the NFL, but given the opportunity, he could be one of the best receivers, period.

Another pro of trading Brown would be getting a frustrated player out of the locker room. Any distractions from him impacting the others on the team would be a net negative. Yes, the player is great, but if he’s bringing others down with him when he’s struggling, it would be best to move on.

The final pro of trading Brown comes from the value Philadelphia could receive in return. The reported ask has been high, believed to be a first and a second round pick. If Howie Roseman can get a package like that, trading Brown becomes much easier to swallow.

The Cons Of Trading AJ Brown

aj brown
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown (11) during warmups against the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The cons of trading Brown are obvious. The loss of a great player would affect the team regardless of how they’re acting behind the scenes. Having one of the best players at their respective position makes the team better. With that being said, losing that player will make the team worse.

Taking Brown away from the Eagles’ offense would affect more than just the passing game. Any threat of the pass would be limited, shifting coverage focus solely onto Smith. This would allow defenses to lock in on the run game, limiting Saquon Barkley’s potential production.

Potential AJ Brown Suitors

aj brown
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel congratulates wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) on his touchdown during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021 in Indianapolis, Ind. Titans Colts 063 Credit:
© George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

The New England Patriots are the obvious favorite if Brown is traded. The Mike Vrabel connection will play a big role if he is traded to New England. Brown has been well documented as a Patriots fan as well, a connection that player and team seem hopeful for.

The Los Angeles Chargers are rumored to be the second team involved in the Brown trade discussions. The Buffalo Bills would have been a great match, but they don’t seem like a fit after acquiring DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears.

End Of My AJ Brown Rant

Brown is such a talented player, making this an incredibly tough spot for the Eagles. In the end, trading him for the right package is what makes the most sense. The “right package” shouldn’t be light; it should be the first and second round picks they’re asking for. He is an elite player, so they should only trade him for an elite package.