The Philadelphia Eagles arrived at the 2026 NFL Combine with one goal: to put the “noise” of a turbulent 2025 season behind them. Instead, head coach Nick Sirianni and GM Howie Roseman might have just turned the volume up. During their Tuesday press conference, both leaders notably refused to guarantee that star wide receiver A.J. Brown would be back in midnight green this season.
“No Guarantees”: Nick Sirianni’s Shocking Quote on A.J. Brown’s Future with Eagles
When asked directly if Brown was a lock for the 2026 roster, Sirianni didn’t give the “non-starter” answer fans were hoping for. “Will A.J. be here next season? I think we’re still in a spot, like, I can’t guarantee how anything is going to play out into next season. I’m thinking I’m going to be the coach next season, but you can’t guarantee anything past tomorrow,” Sirianni admitted. While he followed up by saying he expects Brown to stay and that he loves him as a player, the “no guarantee” phrase quickly became the headline heard ‘round Philly.This isn’t just standard coach-speak, it’s a reflection of a rocky year. Brown was a lightning rod for drama in 2025, from sideline heated exchanges with Sirianni to openly criticizing the offensive scheme. While he still produced racking up over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns, the frustration was visible.Howie Roseman, didn’t do much to quiet the trade rumors either. Roseman reiterated that “it’s hard to find great players,” but he also dropped a classic Howie-ism: “You go into the league year listening to offers for everything and anything.” He suggested that if a team offers a package the Eagles “didn’t anticipate,” they’d be doing a disservice to the franchise not to consider it.Trading a superstar like Brown isn’t as simple as swapping jerseys. If the Eagles move him before June 1, they would be hit with a massive $40 million dead cap charge. However, if a deal happens after June 1, that number drops significantly, making a mid-summer blockbuster much more plausible. With Brown set to earn a $29 million salary in 2026, the Eagles have to decide if the production outweighs the price tag and the potential for more locker-room tension.For now, the Eagles are saying they want Brown back, but they are also making it clear that they are “always listening.” With a new offensive coordinator in Sean Mannion, the team hopes a fresh system will fix the chemistry issues between Brown and Jalen Hurts.But in Philadelphia, where the roster is always in flux, “no guarantees” usually means the moving trucks aren’t far away. If a wide receiver-needy team comes calling with a first-round pick and more, A.J. Brown’s time in Philly could be nearing its end.