The Los Angeles Rams have reportedly fully backed out of trading for All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Rumors surrounding the Los Angeles Rams potentially acquiring All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles were running rampant.
Brown had been linked to the Rams for weeks; however, it appears that they have fully taken themselves out of the running. NFL insider Ian Rapoport noted that the Rams did look into trading for Brown, but "ultimately decided it was not for them" after discussions with the Eagles.
After rumors circulated saying L.A. is monitoring a potential trade, NFL insider Dianna Russini shut them down. Russini had stated that Philadelphia's price is a steep one, which may have caused the Rams to move on. And then, late last week, Russini said that talks have gained momentum.
However, it now appears the Rams have taken themselves out of trading for Brown.
The Super Bowl champion is coming off a mediocre season by his standards. In the struggling Eagles offense last season, Brown recorded 78 receptions for 1,003 receiving yards, seven touchdowns, and averaged 12.9 yards per reception.
Brown is coming off his seventh season in the league and his fourth in Philadelphia (and it could be his last).
It's unclear if the Eagles want to trade Brown or if he wants out of Philadelphia. Many view his potential departure as inevitable due to salary cap constraints and reported frustrations.
While the Eagles could get a good package for Brown right now, there is a chance they could wait for a better cap-efficient scenario post-June 1. Nonetheless, it appears that the Eagles are in no rush to trade the three-time Pro Bowler.
The least of the Rams' worries is adding another wide receiver, especially one of the caliber of the former Ole Miss Rebel. Sean McVay's offense is designed for one receiver to thrive, and that receiver right now is Puka Nacua.
Nacua is the clear-cut WR1 in the Rams offense, and considering how vocal Brown can be, it would have been interesting to see how Los Angeles would have handled that dynamic.
Brown would have been a great addition on paper, but depth may be the better route for the Rams. Los Angeles was arguably a solid third wide receiver away from representing the NFC in the Super Bowl this past season.
The Rams could use their No. 13 overall pick in April’s draft on a pass catcher. They will certainly have several options to improve their receiving corps, and the draft could be an ideal way to address that need.