The 2026 NFL offseason hasn’t disappointed thus far, as several franchises have already completed notable free agency signings and trades.
The Philadelphia Eagles, who are coming off an underwhelming 2025-26 campaign that saw them bow out in the NFC wild-card round, could be among the organizations to make a significant splash before the new season begins.
According to a report from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, an Eagles trade rumor involving Philadelphia’s No. 1 wide receiver could result in a blockbuster deal with either the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, or New England Patriots.
“(A.J.) Brown’s camp has certainly done its homework on interested teams, and I’ve heard that the Bills, Chargers, Chiefs, and Patriots were on his wish list. Buffalo, having done the deal for (D.J.) Moore is no longer involved. I don’t think the Chargers are either, with their focus on the offensive line and the edge positions (with a big chunk of money/cap now gone to Khalil Mack).”
“And ditto on the Chiefs, who are zeroed in on the running back spot, and have a desire to replenish the roster with the picks they got in the (Trent) McDuffie trade. Obviously, Brown and Mike Vrabel have an established relationship, and the Patriots have a need, post-(Stefon)Diggs, so that would be a natural landing spot. But how far is New England willing to go to get Brown?”
“Would (Alec) Pierce be more appealing, given that he’s younger, and the Patriots wouldn’t have to give up picks to get him? Is there another team that’s going to emerge as a suitor? Would Philly hang onto him, with the hope that any underlying issues resolve themselves in the coming months? Stay tuned.”
It’ll be essential to monitor Brown’s situation in Philadelphia closely moving forward. As Breer noted, the Patriots are the most realistic suitor for Brown at the moment, who still has $45 million remaining on the three-year, $96 million contract extension he inked with Philadelphia two years ago.
However, it’s worth noting that the Eagles weren’t intrigued by the Patriots’ latest trade offer for Brown (centered on first and third-round NFL Draft picks), according to Fox Sports Radio and All City Sports’ Anthony Gargano, making it challenging to envision New England enticing Philadelphia down the line.
Still, it’s reasonable to assume the 28-year-old Super Bowl champion will continue to be linked to New England, considering it’s an organization he’s expressed interest in joining.
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