While the Philadelphia Eagles roster still features big-time talent, the organization might have to cut ties with some of it due to problems and financial reasons. After an early playoff exit and an offense that struggled to find any success, questions have continued to surface about what the future will look like.
Again, A.J. Brown is in the spotlight for many of the wrong reasons. Moving Brown makes sense, in a way, but only if Philadelphia gets what it wants in return.
For years, Brown has a big piece of Philadelphia’s offense. His play style and ability to command defenses’ attention helped the Eagles’ passing game since he was traded from Tennessee. Even during a down offensive season, Brown still caught a lot of attention.
Brown isn’t old but not young, and should still have some value on the market. At the same time, it’s fair to wonder if he’s worn out his welcome. That has fueled speculation about whether the Eagles could eventually explore trade possibilities, and not because Brown can’t play, but because he’s a headache.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently offered a projection that attempts to quantify what such a move might realistically look like.
“Projected Trade Value: 2026 5th-Round Pick, 2026 Late-Round Pick Swap, Conditional 2027 Third-Round Pick,” Knox wrote. “A.J. Brown's trade value shouldn't be substantially impacted by the draft pool. The three-time Pro Bowler is a legitimate No. 1 target when at his best. However, he'll turn 29 in June, and it feels like his stint with the Philadelphia Eagles has run its course. With Brown struggling to be a centerpiece of the offense and Philly bowing out in the wild-card round, now's probably the right time to move the talented pass-catcher.
“Of course, Brown's contract, which still includes $72.5 million in dead money, complicates matters for the Eagles. Presumably, they'll try to convince a trade partner to take on some of that dead money. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer recently projected on The Breer Report that Brown might bring a third-round pick and a Day 3 pick swap. The prediction here is that he instead brings a conditional 2027 third-rounder that could become a second-round pick with certain statistical thresholds.”
With $72.5 million in dead money remaining, any trade would require the Eagles to consider what they want, but again, a few picks could be all it takes to change their mind. With major extensions looming for cornerstone defenders and only so much cap flexibility available, Howie Roseman may eventually be forced to prioritize sustainability over sentiment.
Knox’s projection shows an uncomfortable reality, as it might not be a blockbuster return, but it may be the most realistic one.