Five potential A.J. Brown trade destinations: These AFC playoff contenders make most sense

Is the clock ticking on wide receiver A.J. Brown's time with the Philadelphia Eagles? Some around the NFL think so.

"I think Howie (Roseman) moves him," a league recently shared to The Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini. But which teams would be best suited to add the All-Pro talent ahead of the 2025 trade deadline on Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. ET? 

While we wouldn't advise a trade to an NFC foe, here are five AFC teams that could be excellent destinations.

Buffalo Bills (4-1)

This would be a dream landing spot for football fans and nightmare for opposing defenses. As excellent as the Bills, led by MVP quarterback Josh Allen, are on offense, they lack a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver, and Brown could make them must-see T.V. on a weekly basis.

But if the seven-year pro is looking to go somewhere he'll be the star, Buffalo might not be the right fit. Heading into Week 6, the Bills were leading the NFL in rushing attempts (162) and were No. 20 in pass attempts (154). As much as they emphasize the run game, Brown's touches could be limited, creating as much dysfunction as in Philadelphia. 

Denver Broncos (3-2)

Broncos receivers have already been credited with eight drops, tied for the eighth-most in NFL. Brown, who hasn't recorded a drop since 2023, would instantly become the team's most sure-handed option. With quarterback Bo Nix on a rookie contract worth $18.6 million through 2027, plus a cost-controlled fifth-year option, Denver has the luxury of splurging on other positions over the next few seasons. Adding Brown could help maximize its current window.

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1)

Young Jaguars general manager James Gladstone, 35, has already made one bold trade, moving up in April's 2025 NFL Draft to select two-way star cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall. What's one more?

Entering Sunday's Week 6 action, the Jaguars lead the league in drops (17), with nearly a third coming from second-year pro Brian Thomas Jr., who has five. As with in Denver, Brown would be the most reliable option for quarterback Trevor Lawrence while also signaling a concerted effort to take advantage of the team's better-than-expected 4-1 start, tied for the best in football.

New England Patriots (3-2)

A Week 5 road win against the Bills might accelerate New England's path toward contention, making it a possible destination for Brown. Quarterback Drake Maye, like Nix, is on a rookie contract, giving the Patriots the same financial flexibility. Brown would also form an exciting 1-2 tandem with fellow veteran wideout Stefon Diggs, who should be one of the top contenders for Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year after returning back from season-ending ACL surgery.

A trade to the Patriots would also reunite Brown with head coach Mike Vrabel, who previously coached him for three seasons with the Tennessee Titans (2019-21), making them a potentially seamless fit as they look to quickly rise up the AFC hierarchy.

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

Brown also has familiarity with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who served in the same role in Tennessee during the wide receiver's first two NFL seasons. He could bring another dimension to Pittsburgh's offense; per Pro Football Reference, the team ranks last in the league in average depth of target (4.7 yards). Meanwhile, Brown is averaging 11.1 yards in depth of target. In his two seasons with Smith as offensive coordinator, he averaged 11.9 yards depth of target.

Pittsburgh ranks 30th in pass attempts, but with one of the league's least impactful rushing games, it might need to ride its aerial attack to remain in first in the winnable AFC North. The Steelers wouldn't have any chemistry issues between Brown and star wideout D.K. Metcalf, either, after the two spent three seasons as teammates in college at Ole Miss. Among his possible trade destinations, he might not have to leave the state of Pennsylvania to find the best one.