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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 04: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on January 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles may be heading toward one of their most consequential offseason decisions in years, and it centers on A.J. Brown.

As Yahoo Sports noted, a new salary-cap wrinkle has reignited trade speculation around the star wide receiver.

League insiders are now openly questioning whether Brown’s time in Philadelphia has run its course.

The discussion intensified after ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler appeared on SportsRadio 94WIP, where he revealed a financial detail that has caught the attention of NFL executives across the league.

“The Eagles actually can save $7 million on the cap by designating Brown a post-June 1 trade,” Fowler said.

“And it feels like it’s time. Some league execs have felt that way since October.”

While Philly has made no public indication that a move is imminent, the cap flexibility attached to such a decision has added real weight to what was once dismissed as offseason noise.

A.J. Brown’s Cap Flexibility Sparks Trade Rumors 

A.J. Brown remains one of the league’s most talented wide receivers.

However, 2025 marked one of the more uneven seasons of his career.

While he still surpassed 1,000 receiving yards, his weekly impact dipped, averaging just 3.9 receptions and 51 yards per game.

This was his lowest per-game output in his seven NFL seasons.

The shift coincided with schematic changes in the Eagles’ offense with a new coordinator, along with off-field distractions involving Brown complaining about his role in the offense.

Because of A.J. Brown’s strained relationships within the organization, some around the league believe the Eagles could view this offseason as a strategic opportunity, particularly with the ability to save $7 million in cap space.

Philly has a history of prioritizing roster flexibility, even when it involves parting with star talent.

The possibility of reallocating resources while building around WR DeVonta Smith and future draft capital has quietly become a talking point.

Other NFL Teams Interested in A.J. Brown 

If the Eagles do explore trade options, interest is expected around the league.

A.J. Brown, who turns 29 in June, is still viewed as a true No. 1 receiver who can transform an NFL offense.

One NFL personnel evaluator pointed specifically to the Buffalo Bills as a logical landing spot.

“The Bills have to upgrade there. Their best receiver is Khalil Shakir, who is a nice player, but he’s not a top guy,” the evaluator said. 

“Brown is an immediate upgrade, and he’s still young. He can make an instant impact.”

Beyond Buffalo, insiders have linked a potential return to the Tennessee Titans. 

There has also been reported interest from the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and Las Vegas Raiders as teams closely monitoring the situation. 

For now, the Eagles are not actively shopping A.J. Brown.

But with cap math and league-wide interest potentially aligning, the conversation around his future will only heighten as the offseason evolves.

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