Getty
AJ Brown could land with the Patriots in 2026.
The 2026 offseason could be very interesting for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Sitting at approximately $83 million in salary cap space, the Chargers can splurge a bit in free agency if they want to. Not only could they sign a lot of players, but they could take on some big contracts by acquiring players via trade.
One name to keep an eye on is Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. There has been plenty of unrest between Brown and the Eagles over the past two years, and they could be heading toward a breakup. Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports recently named the Chargers as one of five potentially landing spots for the three-time All-Pro receiver.
Los Angeles Chargers acquire A.J. Brown in mock trade
The terms of Sullivan’s proposal, and his analysis, is as follows:
Eagles receive 2026 third-round draft pick (No. 86 overall), 2026 sixth-round draft pick (No. 203 overall)
Chargers receiver A.J. Brown, 2027 seventh-round draft pick
“A key reason for the Chargers’ downfall in 2025 was simply due to both of their tackles going down. Well, both Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt should be back healthy for 2026, which will give Justin Herbert more time to throw the football. When he does, he’ll likely need another top weapon at his disposal. Ladd McConkey took a step back from his sensational rookie season, but is still a solid option in the passing game. However, Keenan Allen, who turns 34 in April, led the team with 122 targets throughout the year. Putting a talent like Brown in this mix with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel pulling the strings could be just what Herbert and the unit need to go to the next level.”
Chargers should pass on trading for A.J. Brown
GettyA.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during a game.
The idea of adding Brown to Los Angeles’ offense is definitely fun to think about. Despite a small dip in his production as of late, he is still an elite receiver who isn’t being fully utilized in Philadelphia. Joining offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and quarterback Justin Herbert could certainly lead to him putting up gaudy numbers again.
However, there’s just too much risk for the potential reward. The first thing that stands out is that the Chargers own just five picks in this year’s draft. Surrendering two of those for Brown would be an extremely steep price. It would leave Los Angeles with just one pick in the first, second, and fourth rounds.
The Chargers have also invested significant draft capitol into the WR position. They spent second-round picks on Ladd McConkey (2024) and Tre’ Harris (2025), as well as a fifth rounder on KeAndre Lambert-Smith in 2025. If Los Angeles is going to invest in a pass catcher, it should be at the tight end position.
Lastly, what really held the Chargers’ offense back last season was injuries. Getting Alt and Slater back will provide Herbert with better protection, which should open things up more in the passing game. Investing into the interior of the offensive line could quickly turn what was a weakness into a strength.
Nick Roesch Nick Roesch covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, with a focus on the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Chargers. He previously covered the Chiefs for USA TODAY Sports’ Chiefs Wire, and all 32 NFL teams for A to Z Sports. Roesch’s career in sports media spans 10 years. More about Nick Roesch
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