The NFL offseason is always filled with twists, turns and plenty of speculation. With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, one name that’s been at the center of trade rumors is Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. From whispers of a blockbuster deal to social media chatter, the idea of Brown being traded gained traction in some corners of the internet.
But Eagles fans can finally breathe easy — ESPN’s Adam Schefter has squashed those rumors, stating, “Contrary to internet speculation, the Eagles are not trading A.J. Brown. The star wide receiver signed a three-year extension a year ago this week.”
How the A.J. Brown Trade Rumors Took Off
Trade rumors can often take on a life of their own, and this was no exception. Earlier this offseason, reports began circulating that teams like the New England Patriots had expressed interest in Brown. Some analysts even speculated that the Eagles could explore a deal to create cap flexibility or acquire additional draft picks. But none of the sources were credible — it was all just speculation.
The numbers tell the real story. Brown’s three-year, $96 million contract extension, signed in 2024, includes $84 million in guaranteed money. Trading him would saddle the Eagles with a hefty dead cap hit, making the move financially and strategically unrealistic. In other words, the rumors didn’t hold up when you looked at the facts.
A.J. Brown: A Key Component
Even without the financial constraints, moving on from Brown would make little sense for the Eagles given his enormous impact on the field. During the 2024 season, Brown proved why he’s one of the best in the league.
Despite missing three regular-season games with an injury, he led the team in receiving with 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns. His ability to win matchups and deliver big plays made him an indispensable weapon for quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Brown saved some of his best work for the playoffs. In three postseason games, he caught 12 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns, including a pivotal score in the Super Bowl. That performance helped the Eagles secure a commanding 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Beyond the stats, Brown’s presence opened up opportunities for the rest of the offense, as defenses were forced to account for his ability to stretch the field.
Why Brown Is Staying With the Eagles
The Eagles’ decision to give Brown a lucrative extension last year speaks volumes about his value to the team. At just 27 years old, he remains in his prime, and his combination of size, speed and route-running ability makes him a matchup nightmare for defenses around the league.
While trade rumors are common in the NFL — even when they don’t hold much credibility — this one never really passed the smell test. As Schefter’s statement confirms, Brown is staying put in Philadelphia, where he’ll continue to play a vital role as the Eagles aim to defend their Super Bowl title.