The NFL trade market is blooming this week ahead of the upcoming free agency frenzy. Among the few many big names that are still being shopped is Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Brown has been on the outs with the Eagles for what feels like years now but the two have had too much success together to get a divorce. That might not be the case anymore after the Buffalo Bills traded for D.J. Moore today.
With Moore off to Buffalo, there might be a renewed arms race in the AFC and Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer has identified the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens as the "most likely potential partners" with the Eagles on a trade. McLane clarified that the Eagles would prefer to deal with AFC teams so as not to risk strengthening a potential playoff rival.
"The Bills trading for WR D.J. Moore would theoretically take them out of the A.J. Brown market. They checked in with the #Eagles about their wide receiver, from what I understand. Patriots and Ravens are the most likely potential partners, especially as I understand it, the Eagles inclined to only deal with AFC teams," McLane wrote on X.
Viable Targets
The Patriots and Ravens certainly make the most sense as trade targets for Brown for a host of different reasons.
New England have already announced intentions to release last year's leading pass catcher Stefon Diggs. If they want to be as explosive on offense in 2026, let alone better, they need someone who can match Diggs' workload. They might find someone like that in free agency or even the draft, but Brown is more of a sure thing.
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As for the Ravens, the team could be looking at a transition period under new head coach Jesse Minter. For too long they've relied on the run game to quite literally carry them into the playoffs and now they need to integrate the passing game more. Minter's offensive coordinator will be 29-year-old Declan Doyle, who is fresh off a brilliant season helping Caleb Williams reach his potential in Chicago.
Where will A.J. Brown play in 2026?
