When it comes to teams that should be in the market for a wide receiver in 2026, the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders and Buffalo Bills qualify.
The Broncos need another reliable veteran weapon for Bo Nix, as Denver has a lot of unproven talent at the position behind Courtland Sutton. The Patriots have a similar situation behind Stefon Diggs.
Meanwhile, the Bills and Raiders both need a No. 1 wide receiver, as well as more depth to fill out their respective rooms.
With what we know about all four of those teams, it comes as zero surprise that CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan has suggested them as possible trade suitors for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Brown has consistently been linked to trade rumors over the last few years. The tumultuous relationship between the wideout and the Eagles is well-documented. During Philadelphia’s playoff loss to the 49ers, Brown was seen in a sideline altercation with coach Nick Sirianni, further suggesting this tenure may have run its course. For Brown, he did not seem thrilled with his role in the offense this season, and, from Philadelphia’s point of view, it may make sense to move on from a soon-to-be 29-year-old receiver who is due $29 million in guaranteed salary in 2026.
Brown had publicly voiced his frustration with the Eagles’ struggling offense at multiple points during the season, and his sideline spat with head coach Nick Sirianni in the postseason only added more fuel to trade speculation.
But there’s a significant issue with the Eagles will trading Brown, as Philly would take on a large dead-money hit if it sends him packing, and would then have to replace Brown. That presents a major roadblock for trading Brown.
Putting that aside for now, we could definitely see all four of the aforementioned teams making a run at Brown if he hits the trade block.
The Patriots are the team we see as the best bet to land Brown given his connection to head coach Mike Vrabel and the team’s cap space situation over the next few years that will allow the Pats to easily absorb Brown’s $96 million contract.
The Raiders have an even better financial situation, but if the Eagles give Brown a choice on where to go, Las Vegas would probably be at the bottom of the list of these four teams.
Buffalo and Denver would also be strong suitors and attractive spots for Brown, as each gives him a chance to win a Super Bowl in 2026.
All that said, if we had to place a bet on where Brown lands should he become available via trade, we’d bet on the Patriots.
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