Jason Burgos
If there was any doubt that AJ Brown’s time with the Philadelphia Eagles was at an end, it was solidified during their Wild Card Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
During Sunday night’s game, he and head coach Nick Sirianni were caught on camera in a verbal clash on the sideline during the first half. It will be the last straw in what has been a tumultuous relationship between the star receiver and management this season.
The latest incident follows public statements and shows of annoyance by Brown with his role in the offense in 2025. An alleged fallout with quarterback Jalen Hurts, and a meeting with owner Jeffrey Lurie in November to try to get him on the same page with the rest of the team.
The four-year relationship has simply run its course, and it would be stunning if he isn’t traded in the offseason. With that in mind, let’s look at five likely landing spots in an AJ Brown trade.
New York Jets
The New York Jets are expected to use the No. 2 overall pick on one of the top QBs in this year’s NFL Draft class. They already have a good receiver in Garrett Wilson. However, if the team wants immediate success for that prospect, the more weapons the better.
AJ Brown is a legit WR1. The three-time Pro Bowler brings a top-shelf go-to target that will also open up even more opportunities for Wilson. The pair of pass catchers has the potential to be the best receiver duo in the AFC.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns could go with Shedeur Sanders, a returning Deshaun Watson, or a rookie at QB in 2026. Whoever is under center next season, they badly need more big-time weapons in the passing game. They showed that by being one of the worst passing teams in the league this season, because they just don’t have any receivers that strike fear in the hearts of opposing defenses.
AJ Brown would definitely do that. If Watson can somehow recapture his previous form under their next head coach, he and the Eagles receiver could be a surprisingly good combo in the AFC North in 2026.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans could reach and win the Super Bowl this year. If they do that, they won’t need to make a trade for AJ Brown. However, if they fall, you can bet their offense and not having enough game-breaker weapons will be the culprit.
The Texans have an outstanding defense and don’t need much there, so if they come up short in the playoffs this year, focusing on the offense will be a top offseason priority. Getting CJ Stroud another impact weapon like Brown should be their focus.
Las Vegas Raiders
Like the Jets, the Las Vegas Raiders will be taking a QB with their top pick in April. That will likely be Indiana star Fernando Mendoza.
They already have a very good tight end in Brock Bowers, and 2025 top pick Ashton Jeanty still has a ton of upside. However, after trading Jakobi Meyers, they badly lack a WR1. AJ Brown will bring the veteran pass catcher they badly need and give Mendoza an even better chance of having immediate success in his rookie season.
New Orleans Saints
In the second half of the season, Tyler Shough gave the New Orleans Saints a lot of hope that he could be the long-term answer at quarterback. With expectations sure to be a little higher in 2026, the team trying to bring in even more targets for the young QB makes sense.
A trade for AJ Brown would form an impressive combo with Chris Olave that could rival Tampa Bay’s duo of Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka. It would help the Saints make a big leap ahead next season.
