NFL reporter suggests Eagles have already made A.J. Brown decision

A previous report indicated that Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman would trade mercurial wide receiver A.J. Brown "ahead of the official start of the 'legal tampering'" portion of free agency on March 9. We are now heading into the third weekend of March, and there is no indication that the Eagles are any closer to trading Brown than they were at the start of the month. 

Some have wondered if Roseman is having second thoughts about possibly trading Brown. During a Thursday appearance on ESPN, NFL insider Jeff Darlington hinted that Brown won't be with the Eagles when the 2026 season gets underway. 

No "lack of activity" regarding trade talks for A.J. Brown?

"The trade is more about when, not if," Darlington explained, per Adam Hulse of Pro Football Network. "I still anticipate A.J. Brown getting moved out of Philly. Do not mistake the silence that we are currently feeling for being indifference or a lack of activity. Eventually, after June 1, I still think this happens."

Reasons related to the salary cap have repeatedly been mentioned for why Brown may remain with the Eagles until at least the end of May. However, Roseman technically could afford to pull the trigger on such a transaction if he wanted to acquire assets for this year's draft before it begins on the night of April 23. 

Earlier this week, the Denver Broncos agreed to acquire Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and a 2026 fourth-round draft pick in return for a 2026 first-round choice, a third-round selection and a fourth-rounder. To compare, numerous reports have said Roseman wants at least a first-round draft pick and a second-round selection for Brown. 

This team is still "the perfect fit" for A.J. Brown

A New England Patriots team in need of help at the position has routinely been linked with Brown, who had Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel as a head coach when they were employed by the Tennessee Titans from 2019 through the 2021 season. 

"The Patriots are the perfect fit, with his former coach in Tennessee, Mike Vrabel, being there," Darlington added about Brown's future. 

That said, the Patriots could address their wide-receiver situation in a different way if Roseman decides he won't trade Brown before June 1 arrives.