New A.J. Brown Trade Rumors on Patriots, Rams and Eagles' Timeline amid NFL Free Agency

Philadelphia Eagles star receiver A.J. Brown reportedly could have to wait a few months before landing with a new team in a trade.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that the Eagles are likely to wait until after June 1 to trade Brown because his dead money hit would be lowered from $40 million to $20 million, and Philadelphia would be acquiring 2027 draft assets rather than adding picks for this year's draft.

Rapoport named the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots as teams that have been engaged in discussions with the Eagles about Brown, but he noted that the Rams are "out" on negotiations while the Patriots are "still in."

The Eagles managed to avoid further financial strain by re-signing tight end Dallas Goedert to a one-year, $7 million deal. Per ESPN's Tim McManus, Philadelphia would have incurred a dead-cap hit of more than $20 million when Goedert's contract expired on Monday. Re-signing the eight-year veteran reportedly gave the team "more financial flexibility in 2026, including when it comes to Brown."

However, it sounds like the Eagles aren't in a rush to ship Brown away, especially if their trade demands aren't met. Earlier this month, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that Philadelphia is seeking "a potential first-round pick with a second-round sweetener" in exchange for the three-time Pro Bowler.

Rapoport noted that the Rams "looked into it deeply" but "ultimately decided it was not for them" after discussions with the Eagles. While the Patriots appear to be the frontrunners to land Brown, the delayed timeline could allow Los Angeles or another team to put together an offer over the next few months to try to convince Philadelphia to let him go.

It sounds like Brown will have to get comfortable with his holding pattern until the Eagles get serious about trading him over the summer.