Updated March 4, 2026, 9:32 p.m. ET
While recent reports indicate that it would take a king’s ransom to steal A.J. Brown from Philadelphia, a trade isn’t completely out of the picture.
The Eagles are undoubtedly a better team with Brown on the roster, but what would be the next course of action if a deal materialized? NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry believes GM Howie Roseman could target free agent wide receiver Mike Evans to replace Brown if necessary.
Speaking of Mike Evans, I truly believe he’ll be in a new uniform next year. The Buccaneers love him, but given the commitment they made to Chris Godwin last year and a deep young WR room, Tampa Bay is okay letting him go elsewhere. I heard Buffalo as a potential landing spot for Evans and possibly Philly if the Eagles decide to move A.J. Brown.
Evans, a six-time Pro Bowler, recorded 11 consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons before missing nine games with hamstring and collarbone injuries in 2025. The Buccaneers would love to have him back, but Evans is expected to explore his options in free agency. The 32-year-old wideout is also familiar with new Eagles’ passing-game coordinator Josh Grizzard, who spent the last two seasons on Tampa Bay’s coaching staff. It would take a Herculean effort to replace Brown’s production, but Evans would help fill the void.
Philadelphia reportedly wants a “Quinnen Williams-type deal” for Brown, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The New York Jets received a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-rounder, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith when they traded Williams to Dallas.
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We’ll see if any team becomes willing to match that price as free agency unfolds.