R1 The Philadelphia Eagles are now being widely predicted to cut ties with a polarizing $96 MILLION star, and insiders say a massive trade haul could be on the table.
The Philadelphia Eagles face plenty of decisions this offseason on how to move forward after a surprising early postseason exit. Few players are likely to draw the attention of star receiver A.J. Brown in NFL rumors.
Eagles Rumors: Philly Predicted to Trade A.J. Brown to Patriots
Brown has been outspoken about his frustrations at various points this season. Then there was the sideline blowup between Brown and Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni amid the elimination loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
All this puts Brown’s future in Philadelphia in doubt. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine offered predictions for blockbuster NFL trades this offseason and has the Eagles striking a deal with the New England Patriots.
The Patriots land Brown in the blockbuster trade while the Eagles acquire three draft picks: one first rounder (2026) and two third-round selections (2026, 2027).
Let’s dive into how this potential deal could work for both the Eagles and Patriots.
Eagles Rumors: Philly Predicted to Trade A.J. Brown to the Patriots
For the Patriots, the fit is obvious as it gives rising star quarterback Drake Maye a legit No. 1 receiving weapon in 2026. Philly hits the reset button with three future draft picks and clears Brown’s sizable deal off the books.
“All of that in-season drama could lead to an out-of-season trade this offseason,” Ballentine wrote in a January 13, 2026, story titled, “Predicting the Biggest NFL Trades That Could Shape the 2026 Offseason.” “ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that league executives believe the Eagles could be looking to move Brown this offseason.
“If so, there are plenty of teams that should be interested. Two of the most prominent ones are in the AFC East in the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots. Both are contenders who could use Brown as their WR1,” Ballentine added.
“That arms race could be a major throughline in the offseason, but the Patriots have more resources to put together the best offer for the Eagles receiver. With 11 draft picks and $54 million in cap space, New England could comfortable come up with a package that would put Brown in pass-heavy offense with an ascending quarterback in Drake Maye.”
Eagles WR A.J. Brown’s 3-Year, $96 Million Contract Is Slated To Go Through the 2029 Season
Brown’s three-year, $96 million contract is slated to go through the 2029 season. The playmaker’s cap hit jumps from $17.5 million to $23.3 million in 2026.
Brown recorded just three catches for 25 yards against the Niners in the wild card matchup. The veteran wideout notched 78 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns during the regular season.
Eagles HC Nick Sirianni on Sideline Argument With A.J. Brown: ‘I Think He Knows How I Feel About Him’
Brown has had four straight seasons topping the 1,000-yard mark. After the Eagles’ loss to the 49ers, Sirianni attempted to downplay the sideline spat with Brown.
“I think he knows how I feel about him,” Siranni said of Brown, per ESPN’s Tim McManus. “I have a special relationship with him. We’ve probably [gone] through every emotion you can possibly have together.
“We’ve laughed together. We’ve cried together. We’ve yelled at each other. We’re both emotional. I was trying to get him off the field, and that happens in this game. That happens in this game, but I love him.”
It would not be surprise if the Eagles at least explored potential trades for Brown this offseason. It remains to be seen if the team could land more than one first rounder in a potential deal like the proposed trade with the Patriots.
