Well, the A.J. Brown trade is finally official*.
After months of speculation, the Philadelphia Eagles announced they are are sending the star wide receiver to the New England Patriots now that post-June 1 salary cap ramifications are in play.
Here are the trade terms:
EAGLES RECEIVE — 2028 first-round pick, 2027 fifth-round pick (more favorable of two selections owned by New England)
PATRIOTS RECEIVE — A.J. Brown
By moving on from Brown now (as opposed to pre-June 1), the Eagles will split Brown’s $43.4
million dead cap charge between 2026 (about $16 million) and 2027 (about $27 million) instead of taking it all in one year.
There are mixed feelings surrounding Brown’s departure. Some are sad to see arguably the best wide receiver in Eagles history headed out the door. Others are relieved that Brown’s off-field displeasure won’t be a factor for the 2026 campaign.
There’s a strong case to be made that the Eagles will miss Brown. Despite having a down year in 2025, he ultimately managed his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard seasons since he came to Philly. He had two Pro Bowl seasons, two second-team All-Pro seasons, and even finished ninth in MVP voting for his performance in 2022. Brown became a Super Bowl LIX champion, a team captain, and even won “Making a Better Philly Changemaker Award” in 2025 for his work in the community.
Last season was a struggle, and at times, his effort looked lacking — whether it was not finishing routes, not completing blocks, or fighting with Nick Sirianni as he exited the field — and yet, he still remained one of the better wide receivers in the game.
Now that we know he’s officially on his way out of town, he could benefit from a change of scenery with the support of his former Titans head coach, Mike Vrabel. Brown will have an opportunity to be the hero he’s been striving to be, and won’t have to share the spotlight with so many stars like he did in Philly. Only time will tell if he’ll be happy in his new NFL home or if he’ll end up wishing he stayed with the Eagles.
*pending a physical
