As the 2026 offseason approaches, one of the most compelling questions facing the Philadelphia Eagles is whether or not they’ll ultimately trade All-Pro receiver A.J. Brown.
Brown has been one of the most productive receivers in the league since arriving in Philadelphia, stacking three straight 1,000-yard seasons leading into this year. Together with DeVonta Smith, the Eagles have one of the best wide receiver tandems in the NFL.
But considering Brown’s recent malaise and frequent criticisms of the team coupled with his hefty $96 million contract, could Philly bite the bullet and send him elsewhere? We think it’s almost probable at this point.
Brown has been excellent, but he has also led the Eagles in penalties this season, getting flagged seven times, including four false starts. That doesn’t mean Brown has been the primary problem in Philly’s offense, but it does suggest he hasn’t been perfect considering how vocally critical he has been of his teammates.
There’s 1 Intriguing Team Who Might Pursue Brown in 2026
From 2022-23 alone, Brown had 2,952 yards and 18 touchdowns, numbers that cemented him among the most productive receivers in franchise history. He followed that up with another 1,000-yard campaign in 2024, and this year, he has just under 700 yards and six TDs in 11 games.
Over in San Francisco, the 49ers are likely parting ways with both Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, and will need a legit WR1 for quarterback Brock Purdy to lean on. Brown would be a perfect add to Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and after his discontent in Philly, he’s definitely worth calling about if you’re the Niners.
Financially, moving Brown in 2026 would clear some serious future cap obligations for the Eagles, and the 49ers could swing his deal, too. Over the Cap has the Niners with just under $35 million in cap space in 2026, and it’ll be more if/when Aiyuk’s deal is off the books.
What Would a Trade for WR A.J. Brown Look Like if You’re the San Francisco 49ers?
GettySan Francisco 49ers edge Sam Okuayinonu would come to Philly in our trade proposal that would also A.J. Brown to the Niners.
Here’s a trade proposal we put together that might persuade Philadelphia to move on from Brown next offseason:
- 49ers get: WR A.J. Brown
- Eagles get: defensive end Sam Okuayinonu, San Francisco’s 2026 first-round pick, and a conditional 2027 fourth-round pick that escalates to a third if Brown hits agreed-upon snap and production thresholds.
Okuayinonu has become a solid rotational lineman for San Francisco over the last four years. At 6-foot-1 and 269 pounds, he’s logged 34 career games between the Titans and 49ers. In 2024 and 2025 with the Niners, he has two forced fumbles, 11 QB hits, 5.0 sacks and over 60 total tackles (nine for loss).
Drop him into an Eagles defensive front that already features Jalen Carter and Jaelan Phillips, and it’d be making an already fearsome front even better. That, plus a 2026 first-rounder and that conditional 2027 selection would give Philly valuable draft picks with which they could replace Brown with a younger, more affordable option.
Trading Brown could sting, as he has been one of the MVPs on offense over the last three years. He’s also legit been one of the best receivers the franchise has ever had. But smart teams generally move on from aging and disgruntled stars before it’s too late. Does Brown meet that criteria yet? We’ll know as soon as the 2026 offseason rolls around.
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