Cleveland Browns Consider Bold Move for Eagles Star A.J. Brown
Following a disappointing 2025 season where wide receiver Jerry Jeudy managed only 50 receptions for 602 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games, the Cleveland Browns are actively exploring options to overhaul their receiving corps. In stark contrast, Philadelphia Eagles standout A.J. Brown recorded 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in just 15 games, highlighting the significant gap in production that Cleveland aims to bridge.
Analyst Predicts Brown as Potential Solution for Cleveland
FanSided analyst Wynston Wilcox has predicted that the Browns could pursue A.J. Brown, noting that Cleveland has historically shown willingness to sign players with problematic reputations. This includes quarterback Deshaun Watson's inconsistencies and off-field issues, as well as practice squad receiver Diontae Johnson's past suspension for conduct detrimental to the team during his time with the Baltimore Ravens.
Wilcox emphasizes that while Brown is known for frustrating on-field displays and locker room turmoil, his addition could provide the Browns with a physically gifted veteran presence. This would be particularly beneficial for second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who may compete with Watson for the starting role. The analyst describes Cleveland's current receiver room as "putrid" and suggests that adding a top-tier wideout like Brown could be a crucial step in their offseason strategy.
Financial and Contractual Hurdles in Potential Trade
ESPN's Tim McManus reports that A.J. Brown's current salary cap hit for the 2026 season is $23.4 million. If traded before June 1, the Eagles would face a dead cap hit exceeding $40 million, while a post-June 1 trade would reduce that amount to under $20 million. Brown is under contract through 2029 after signing a three-year, $96 million deal in April 2024 with $84 million guaranteed, bringing his total career earnings to $91 million.
Any team acquiring Brown would be responsible for his $29 million salary in 2026 and approximately $4 million in guaranteed money for 2027. According to Over The Cap, the Browns currently have $21.88 million in cap space, making a trade financially challenging. Dawg Pound Daily's Ernesto Cova noted in February that Cleveland might pursue cheaper targets instead, as funds could be redirected to players like Jalen Carter, Cooper DeJean, and Quinyon Mitchell.
Competition and Strategic Considerations
The New England Patriots, previously linked to Brown, appear to be out of contention after signing Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract. However, some reports suggest this doesn't completely rule them out, though it complicates potential trade scenarios.
The Sporting News' Caleb Hightower argues that Jerry Jeudy should not be thrust into the WR1 role but could serve as a respectable WR2, with the primary spot going to an Eagles wideout like Brown. Meanwhile, Cleveland tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is expected to have a larger offensive role in 2026 following longtime TE David Njoku's departure, but the focus remains squarely on upgrading the receiver position.
Ultimately, whether the Browns pull the trigger on a trade for A.J. Brown will depend on their willingness to part with high draft picks and manage salary cap constraints. As the NFL offseason progresses, Cleveland's pursuit of a game-changing wide receiver continues to generate speculation and debate among analysts and fans alike.
