Overview
- Multiple outlets on Wednesday reported that NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo said the Los Angeles Rams came nearer to trading for A.J. Brown earlier this offseason than the New England Patriots did and that those talks may be restarted.
- Garafolo also said negotiations between the Eagles and prospective buyers will need to be “rebooted” and could stretch into July rather than concluding around June 1, so no binding deal with the Patriots is confirmed.
- Philadelphia plans to wait until after June 1 to trade Brown so it can spread roughly $40 million of dead‑cap over two years, a move that gives Eagles general manager Howie Roseman leverage to solicit competing offers.
- Media insiders have named the Patriots as the front‑runner but also listed the Rams, Jacksonville, Kansas City and Baltimore as possible suitors, though roster fit and team cap space will limit who can realistically acquire Brown.
- Brown’s contract runs through 2029 and carries front‑loaded cap hits that acquiring teams must absorb, which will shape trade structure and how quickly a new team can integrate him before training camp.