The Philadelphia Eagles appear poised for a breakup with star receiver A.J. Brown despite the veteran remaining under contract. Brown's sideline and media antics have become far more distracting than his current production is benefiting this offense. This introduces the possibility of a trade that will need to be completed after June 1 for the Eagles to avoid the cap hit of roughly $20 million that would come if the front office dealt the WR before then.
On the other hand, if a trade were to occur after June 1, Philadelphia would save $7 million against the cap. While it isn't much in the way of savings, it is completely on the table based on the current level of frustration with a volatile player. Not only this, but Brown was unable to make three plays in Philly's playoff loss that could've changed the game. Leading us to look at three potential offseason landing spots for Brown.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
According to Over The Cap, the Chargers are by far expected to have the most open cap space heading into the 2026 offseason. The Chargers badly need to find playmakers to make life easier on Justin Herbert, whose lone reliable target is Ladd McConkey. The former Georgia Bulldogs standout would be complemented perfectly by the addition of Brown. The big frame of the physical receiver is exactly the type of presence that the current Charger roster is lacking.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh is also the type of established leader who demands a certain standard from all his players. If the receiver isn't playing up to expectations or starts with the kind of antics Eagles fans saw throughout the 2025 campaign, Harbaugh won't hesitate to make a change or send a strong message to Brown.
There is also a fit in the fact that Herbert has a bigger arm than Jalen Hurts and can put the ball in spots Brown's current quarterback simply cannot. While the postseason frustration might set things up to end badly, it makes sense for both sides and pushes Brown far away from a franchise that has grown tired of the receiver.
2. Seattle Seahawks
Despite being the NFC's top seed in the 2025 postseason, the franchise is still projected to have $69 million in open cap space. The case for Seattle being a landing spot for Brown is likely going to depend on how the postseason goes for quarterback Sam Darnold. Currently, the quarterback is completely reliant on star receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba. When an opposing defense can shut the star receiver down, it is clear Darnold doesn't trust his other options anywhere near as much.
Bringing in a second star receiver should build Darnold's confidence and give the Seahawks a potentially lethal offense to match an incredibly talented young defense. The only concern with the move is whether the Eagles want to keep Brown in the NFC, where they would be more likely to see the receiver in a potentially meaningful regular-season or playoff matchup.
Still, there is no denying the fit with the open cap space and questionable quarterback situation, making it clear that Philadelphia and Seattle could at least entertain the possibility. For Brown, it is a chance at a fresh start, which would offer the receiver an opportunity to continue playing in a contending environment.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders currently have no idea who their quarterback, head coach, or primary receiver will be heading into the 2026 season. For the Eagles, if the team is truly done with Brown, it makes sense to push the receiver far away and take no concern with what situation the veteran is walking into. The Raiders clearly need a primary receiver, with tight end Brock Bowers being the one true playmaker fans can get excited to watch in the passing game.
Las Vegas is projected to have the third most cap space behind only the Chargers and Titans. For the Raiders, it makes sense to bring in Brown to help whoever the starting quarterback will be for the 2026 season. If Las Vegas can address one of its biggest offensive concerns, it takes pressure off Bowers, who is consistently the primary focus of opposing defenses.
While putting Brown in such a situation isn't ideal, the Eagles should have no reservations about entertaining the idea, considering how frustrating the pass catcher has been and the Raiders' likely interest. It would be a fitting end to what has been an up-and-down tenure with a player who gives the outward perception of being more concerned with his statistics than anything else.