Trade talks surrounding Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown have cooled considerably. Interest from the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots persists, but no deal appears imminent at this stage.
Rams Prioritize Defense Over Offense
The Rams recently redirect resources toward defense, acquiring Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie in exchange for their 2026 first-round pick, fifth-round pick, sixth-round pick, and a 2027 third-round selection. Los Angeles quickly secured the All-Pro with a four-year, $124 million contract extension.
Salary cap limitations further complicate matters, with $33.8 million allocated to receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Nacua eyes a substantial extension, sidelining pursuit of Brown, a three-time All-Pro.
Patriots Positioned as Top Contenders
New England stands as the frontrunner to land the soon-to-be 30-year-old Ole Miss product, who desires a fresh start and new contract after 2026. Sources confirm the Patriots hold the edge in negotiations.
Philadelphia faces a $23 million cap hit for Brown next season if they retain him. The Eagles initially set a high asking price but now favor a first-round pick from 2027’s stronger draft class. Holding four top-100 selections this year simplifies the trade math for potential partners.
The Patriots balk at surrendering a 2026 first-rounder for Brown, who just completed his fourth straight 1,000-yard campaign. New England released top 2025 Super Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs but countered by signing Green Bay Packers veteran Romeo Doubs to a four-year contract worth up to $80 million.
As Green Bay’s second option, Doubs posted career highs of 724 receiving yards, 13.2 yards per catch, and six touchdowns in 2025. He added eight receptions for 124 yards and a score in the Packers’ sole playoff outing.
Doubs’ arrival does not rule out Brown. Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf dismissed rigid timelines. “I think the only real deadlines you have are salary-cap related,” Wolf told reporters. “For instance, did we spend money in free agency that would take us out of something else? But I wouldn’t say there’s a deadline on trying to improve the team.”
