A.J. Brown trade rumors: Eagles shut down calls on star WR amid Patriots social media buzz

Bryan Murphy

•
A.J. Brown trade rumors: Eagles shut down calls on star WR amid Patriots social media buzz image

NFL Draft season has the rumor mill buzzing, with the possibility of picks being dealt and players potentially on the move soon. Fans are eager to soak in every last detail surrounding the speculation, and in 2024, that means no stone goes unturned on the internet — including profile pictures. 

The trade buzz surrounding A.J. Brown picked up suddenly on Thursday after the Eagles wide receiver made a change on his social media account that some fans interpreted to mean he heading to the Patriots.

It caused Philadelphia fans to go into a panic and gave Patriots fans hope that the new New England regime was going after one of the top wide receivers in the league. 

Brown is coming off a second consecutive season with at least 1,400 receiving yards, hauling in 106 catches for 1,456 yards and seven TDs. It's understandable why any team would want his services; however, the Philadelphia front office quickly put to bed any rumors. 

Here are more details on the Brown trade rumors involving the Eagles and Patriots. 

MORE NFL DRAFT: Big board top 200 | 7-round mock draft | Mock with trades

A.J. Brown trade rumors

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that Philadelphia has received "inquiries" from other teams about Brown, but it has "shut them all down."

Just because a team says one thing does not mean it's always the truth — especially around the draft. In fact, no one knows that better than Brown, who was dealt on the day of the 2022 draft from the Titans to the Eagles. 

However, Brown has been one of the most productive wide receivers in the league since arriving in the City of Brotherly Love, forming a formidable duo on the outside with DeVonta Smith. He's also under contract through the 2026 season. With the Eagles maintaining Super Bowl aspirations, it makes sense why the team would not make him available in a trade. 

 MORE: What DeVonta Smith's contract extension with Eagles means for more top WRs 

A.J. Brown Patriots rumors, explained

The trade rumors started on Thursday afternoon when Brown switched his avatar on Twitter, formerly X, to a picture of Tom Brady. 

Of course, in 2024, something as simple as that causes a reaction online. Brown issued an explanation on social media trying to put out the fire. 

He double-downed when another fan commented that Brown was purposely causing an uproar online. 

It didn't help the speculation that Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon decided to join in and stir the pot a bit more. Judon is known for his online campaigns to recruit players to New England, although without much success. 

There is history between the Patriots and Brown. The wide receiver grew up a Patriots fan, and there was interest before the 2019 draft, as well. Plus, New England needs a No. 1 wide receiver, especially if the team takes a QB with the No. 3 pick. 

A.J. Brown contract

Brown is entering the second year of a four-year contract extension he signed in 2022. It carries a cap hit of just over $12.1 million for this season, and there is an out for the 2025 season that can be exercised. 

His base salary jumps way up after 2024, causing an uptick in cap hit, as well. 

Year Base Salary Signing Bonus Cap Hit
2024 $1,125,000 $4,694,894     $12,188,894
2026 $15,250,000 $4,694,894     $26,553,894    
2027 $30,250,000 $4,694,894     $41,553,894    

Bryan Murphy

Bryan Murphy Photo

Bryan Murphy joined The Sporting News in 2022 as the NHL/Canada content producer. Previously he worked for NBC Sports on their national news desk reporting on breaking news for the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL, in addition to covering the 2020 and 2022 Olympic Games. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, he spent time in college as a beat reporter covering the men’s ice hockey team.