A.J. Brown Not Traded by Eagles at NFL Deadline Following Rumors

As they look to make a run at a second successive Super Bowl title, the Philadelphia Eagles aren’t trading wide receiver A.J. Brown before Tuesday’s deadline.

The three-time Pro Bowler signed a three-year, $96 million extension with Philly in April 2024, which generally put the speculation over his short-term future to bed.

However, Brown is on pace to have his worst season in the pros. Through seven games, he has 29 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns. Dovetailing with that, the decorated pass-catcher has offered his candid thoughts on the Eagles offense at times.

Still, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Oct. 25 the signs were pointing toward Brown staying in Philadelphia.

“The Eagles would be willing to listen to any trade offer, but sources believe Philadelphia would not be willing to part with Brown for anything less than a blockbuster offer, which is not expected to be forthcoming,” Schefter said.

Team owner Jeffrey Lurie was more emphatic when speaking with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.

“We do what’s best for the team,” he said. “We don’t even consider it seriously unless it’s best for the Eagles. We will always do what gives us the best chance of winning big. Everything else is secondary.”

Russini reported people within the NFL were nonetheless sensing a disconnect between Brown and quarterback Jalen Hurts. One coach elaborated on the problem.

“Hurts struggles against zone,” they told Russini. “That’s when A.J. goes MIA. There are times it looks like Hurts doesn’t fully trust what he’s seeing, so he checks it down and plays it safe. It’s either a deep shot or a checkdown — not much in between. The timing is just off. And you can see it on the field — the communication between Hurts and Brown just isn’t there right now.”

Maybe Brown’s relationship with Hurts or the franchise more broadly is in a place where a separation is inevitable. How much longer can people have the discussions over whether he’s happy or on the same page with his quarterback?

But a midseason trade simply made no sense for the Eagles when they’d be worse right now without Brown, even the 2025 version of him. Remove him from the equation and Philly would be looking at an offense where Jahan Dotson or Darius Cooper becomes the No. 2 receiver.

Running back Saquon Barkley isn’t carrying the offense to the extent he was in 2024, either. His 64.9 rushing yards per game are much closer to his career baseline than the 125.3 he averaged en route to joining the 2,000-yard club.

For now, the shared goal of winning another championship should be enough to keep everybody on the Eagles rowing in the same direction.

Once the offseason arrives, general manager Howie Roseman can give more serious consideration to trading Brown.