Why Eagles reportedly made this A.J. Brown deal with Patriots

The Philadelphia Eagles are widely expected to send wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots via a trade that can become official as soon as Tuesday.

On Monday morning, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer shared more information regarding what the Eagles will get from the Patriots and why Philadelphia will accept New England's offer. 

Eagles are reportedly getting this from the Patriots for A.J. Brown

"If the return for A.J. Brown is straight up a 2028 first-round draft pick — and from what I understand, that is the case — then it would come two draft cycles after the parameters of a deal between the Eagles and Patriots were likely set," McLane explained. "That’s quite a drop in compensation if the initial asking price, as I had heard it, was a first- and a second-rounder. Some of that seemed posturing."

McLane was referencing how Eagles general manager Howie Roseman allegedly wanted a "Quinnen Williams-esque" haul for Brown as far back as March. Ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, the New York Jets traded Williams to the Dallas Cowboys for the Cowboys' first-round pick in 2027, a second-round choice in 2026 and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.

How the Los Angeles Rams impacted the Eagles' A.J. Brown decision

Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead previously confirmed that he "chatted with Philly" about a potential Brown trade before the Rams "tapped out of the talks." According to McLane, the Rams "were really the only other serious suitor" for Brown. 

"Brown was coming off a down season," McLane continued, "has medical concerns with his knees, and requires some maintenance off the field. He’s also still highly regarded around the league and has many who vouch for his character and leadership. The Eagles will save money by moving him — a significant $133.1M in cash — but there is also a dead money charge (around $43M) that necessitated a post-June 1 roster move. So they will be getting more than just the future first-rounder for Brown."

It sounds like neither the Rams nor any other team came all that close to acquiring Brown before Roseman accepted the reality of the situation involving the 28-year-old who should soon have a new football home.