Wide receiver will be one of the primary needs for the San Francisco 49ers when the 2026 offseason hits, and there could be a hyper-aggressive move just waiting for them.
Throughout the majority of the 2025 regular season, wideout A.J. Brown has regularly expressed discontent playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Brown has said the situation in Philly, particularly on offense, has been a “s—show,” and he has refused to apologize for speaking out his frustrations.
Considering Brandon Aiyuk’s days are very likely numbered after the team’s decision to void his 2026 guarantees, and Jauan Jennings is likely a goner, as well.
Adding Brown, a three-time All-Pro who has had at least 1,000 yards receiving in four different seasons, would be a significant upgrade from both Jennings and Aiyuk. Is it something the Niners should do, though? Let’s discuss.
Reasons Why a Trade for Eagles WR A.J. Brown Would Be a Good Move for the San Francisco 49ers in 2026
GettyShould the San Francisco 49ers try to trade for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown in 2026?
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Brown is exactly the kind of physically dominant X receiver Kyle Shanahan’s offense has been missing in recent years. A true Alpha on the boundary, Brown has the ability to win on slants, digs and deep posts alike. He’d give quarterback Brock Purdy the most trustworthy and talented receiver he’s worked with to date.
He’d be expensive, there’s no doubt about that. Brown’s most recent contract extension added three years and $96 million of new money onto his deal, keeping him under team control through 2029, with $84 million of that guaranteed. Would he be worth the swing? Maybe.
Brown’s track record of dominant stretches — including an NFL-record-tying run of six straight games with 125+ receiving yards in 2023 — would be exactly what the Niners’ offense has been missing. Shanahan has built explosive offenses without that singular force at receiver, but adding one would open up even more space for All-Pro Christian McCaffrey and the run game.
What Might a Trade Like This Cost the Niners?
The Eagles aren’t trading Brown without getting significant compensation in return. We think the Niners would have to send at least a future first-round pick along with a young player to coax Philly. Here’s a trade proposal we put together that might do it:
- 49ers would get: WR A.J. Brown
- Eagles would get: DE Sam Okuayinonu, San Francisco’s 2026 first-round pick, and a conditional 2027 fourth-round pick that would escalate to a third if Brown were to hit certain agreed-upon production numbers.
For San Francisco, giving up a first and a conditional fourth might be doable, but losing Okuayinonu might be the toughest part of the package to swallow. He’s developed into a valuable rotational piece, logging 34 career games and 5.5 sacks across three seasons, including 5.0 sacks and over 60 tackles in 2024 and 2025 combined.
Cap-wise, this would be doable for the 49ers, especially if Aiyuk’s money comes off the books.
Would it be risky? Absolutely. Sending away a first-round pick and a solid pass rusher to add a disgruntled wideout at top-of-the-market money isn’t without risk. But windows in the NFL are brutally short. If the 49ers believe Brown could be the piece Shanny’s offense has been missing — and he very well could be, as he elevated the Eagles offense instantly — this is a trade they should absolutely consider.
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