Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has a $17.5 million cap charge this season (per Spotrac), but they’re not utilizing him like the superstar he is. The 28-year-old is tied for 45th in the NFL with 38 receptions, 46th with 457 yards and 49th with three scoring catches.
Brown’s 12 yards per reception ranks 112th and is 3.5 yards below his career average. Additionally, the three-time All-Pro has 208 fewer yards than teammate DeVonta Smith, who has a $7.5 million cap charge, per Spotrac.
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Brown brought up fellow Eagles star Saquon Barkley when asked to respond to people claiming he’s not the same player he once was, via ESPN’s Tim McManus.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26)Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
“I guess Saquon ain’t the same player either, then,” he said.
To Brown’s point, both players have statistically regressed this season. Barkley is 150th in the NFL with 3.8 yards per carry, which is two yards fewer than his average last year. The former Penn State Nittany Lion is also just 14th with 662 rushing yards despite ranking fourth with 175 carries.
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Meanwhile, Brown’s yards-per-catch average is 4.1 yards lower than his 2024 mark, and his yards-per-game average is 32.2 yards lower.
There Are Multiple Reasons for A.J. Brown’s Struggles
Brown’s advanced stats help explain his setback this season, via Fantasy Points’ Chris Wecht.
“What has changed for AJ Brown in 2025? His separation skills have really taken a hit: – Overall win rate down 9.5% – Zone win rate down 7.8% – Man win rate down 5.5% – His targets are contested 9.3% more,” he said. “He’s being used in the slot 9% less and his deep and intermediate route usage are up 4% and 6% respectively.
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“So yes, the Eagles are not featuring him like they used to, but he also isn’t getting open like he used to,” he concluded.
On one hand, it makes sense for Philadelphia to decrease Brown’s usage if he’s not getting open as much. However, scheming plays to get him going could also help.
Regardless, the Eagles are 8-2, so they have no incentive to overhaul their gameplan. Additionally, Brown is under contract through 2029, so they have time to help him find his groove again.
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Up next for Philadelphia is an away game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday before a Black Friday matchup with the Chicago Bears at home. Sunday’s game will start at 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox.
Related: A.J. Brown Sends Message to Fantasy Football Owners Before Eagles’ Game Against Lions
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.