The Philadelphia Eagles’ offseason is already looking like one of the toughest ones they’ve dealt with in a long time. Beyond the coaching changes and other moves, one of the biggest questions surrounding the franchise involves the future of its top wide receiver.
In a recent article, Diante Lee of The Ringer wrote about the uncertainty surrounding star wide receiver A.J. Brown and the possibility that Philadelphia could consider a franchise-altering move.
“Things are already tenuous enough in Philadelphia, and there’s still the spectre of a potential trade of receiver A.J. Brown,” Lee wrote.
Brown remains one of the best players in the league, but the thought of trading him has never been because of the talent he has. However, Lee pointed to the fact that the problems with his usage, production, and with the coaching staff and front office clearly aren’t where they need to be.
“Brown hasn’t kicked up much dust lately, but after an acrimonious season with subpar production, there’s little reason to believe this team would bring him back and risk another blowup if he’s not touching the ball as much as he’d prefer.”
When the passing game doesn’t do what’s needed, or he doesn’t get the ball as much, frustration has surfaced, and it’ll continue to, no matter where he goes.
It’s also important to note that throughout the year, many viewed the New England Patriots as a team for Brown to be traded to. Lee believes their rough performance in the Super Bowl could make them interested in the standout WR.
“After New England’s disappointing showing in the Super Bowl, maybe he angles to get there and reunite with Vrabel, his former head coach in Tennessee,” Lee wrote. “The Patriots need a receiver so badly that they might be willing to part with valuable draft picks in exchange, and the Eagles would need those picks to extend their championship timeline and get through the loss of one of the league’s best receivers.”
A reunion with Mike Vrabel would make sense given their history together with the Tennessee Titans. From a roster-building standpoint, the hypothetical fit makes sense for New England as well.