The Tennessee Titans want to extend their relationship with star wide receiver A.J. Brown. Although Brown is not attending the voluntary portion of the Titans’ offseason conditioning program as he seeks a lucrative contract extension, he — unlike San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel — hasn’t requested a trade. The Titans want to sign Brown to a long-term deal and reiterated that stance Thursday.
“I do not foresee that happening,” Titans general manager Jon Robinson said during a press conference Thursday in Nashville when asked about a scenario where Brown, a former second-round draft pick from Mississippi, could be traded. Robinson went on to say that the Titans have had ongoing discussions with Brown’s agents. He is represented by CAA’s Tory Dandy and Jimmy Sexton. “We’re working through that,” Robinson said. “We’ve made it public how we feel about A.J. We want him to be a part of this football team.” Brown, 24, is due $3.896 million in the final year of his rookie deal. It will take a major financial commitment to retain him long term. However, under Robinson’s direction, the Titans have displayed a history of taking care of their top players, including running back Derrick Henry, outside linebacker Harold Landry, and quarterback Ryan Tannehill. “I believe the Titans are absolutely going to pay A.J.,” an NFL executive predicted. “Robinson takes care of his guys, look at his track record. A.J. deserves a good deal. It’s just a matter of time before it happens.” Brown caught 63 passes for 869 yards and 5 touchdowns last season. A Pro Bowl selection in 2020, Brown has generated at least 1,000 receiving yards each of his first two seasons. Brown, Samuel, the Seattle Seahawks’ DK Metcalf, and the Washington Commanders’ Terry McLaurin want new deals because they’re all headed into the final year of their rookie contracts. Huge recent deals have skyrocketed the wide receiver market. That includes Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s $120 million contract and league-high $30 million average per year, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams’ $140 million contract ($28 million AAV), Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins’ $54.5 million contract ($27.25 million AAV), and Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs’ $96 million deal ($24 million AAV). Brown has been outspoken on social media about his situation, including an apparent reaction to fans upset about the situation: “I’m a diva and a bad teammate all of a sudden, lol ok. Do what you have to do then and so will I.” Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons stuck up for Brown, replying to his tweet: “You deserve everything that God have in store for you! Never been a negative guy nor a bad teammate!”
The Titans are looking to keep A.J. Brown
Brown is just one of many wide receivers looking for new deals