Sports Illustrated’s Nick Pedone reports the only thing worse than Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy’s attitude last season was his production on the gridiron.The 26-year-old wideout recorded 50 receptions for 602 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 17 games of the 2025 season. As opposed to the Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown, who recorded 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games.It is no wonder FanSided’s Wynston Wilcox predicts Brown for Cleveland. Quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson may compete for the starter role. But Cleveland’s offense needs a WR1, and Brown would not have to compete with anyone.
NFL Trade Rumors : Shedeur Sanders’ Browns linked to Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown
Wilcox justifies his prediction, stating that if there’s one team that has no problem signing problematic players, then it’s the Browns. The ‘problematic’ tag could be stemming from Watson’s inconsistencies and off-field issues, as well as from practice squad WR Diontae Johnson, who was suspended for one game for conduct detrimental to the team [while he was with the Baltimore Ravens].Now, how problematic is A.J. Brown? He is well-known for his displays of frustration on the gridiron. He reportedly has a long history of burning bridges and creating turmoil in the locker room.Anyhow, Wilcox reports Cleveland tight end Harold Fannin Jr. may have a bigger role in the offense in 2026. Especially, after longtime TE David Njoku’s departure. But it is the WR room that needs all the attention.The analyst calls the Browns’ receiver room “putrid,” and reports that adding a Philadelphia wideout may not solve all their problems, but in a busy free agency, with too many offensive line players, adding a top-tier WR could be Cleveland’s next stop.The Sporting News’ Caleb Hightower reports Jeudy should not be thrust into the WR1 role; instead, he could be a respectable WR2, and the WR1 spot could be given to the Eagles’ wideout. Adding Brown could give Cleveland a physically gifted and veteran wideout with extensive experience. And his presence would do wonders for second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders. If the Browns could give up their high draft pick [first or second round], they may become a legitimate suitor for Philadelphia WR.However, it may all come down to the price offered. Dawg Pound Daily’s Ernesto Cova reported in Feb. that Cleveland could pursue a big-bodied playmaking WR like Brown, but they would steer clear of him to pursue cheaper targets.
A.J. Brown’s trade money could be used for Jalen Carter , Cooper DeJean , and Quinyon Mitchell
ESPN’s Tim McManus reports Brown’s current hit for the 2026 season is $23.4 million. If a trade deal happens before June 1, the Eagles would have to absorb a dead cap hit of over $40 million; if it happens after that date, the amount would be lower than $20 million.The Eagles could use that money to sign second contracts for their rising stars, such as Jalen Carter, Cooper DeJean, and Quinyon Mitchell. All three are still in their rookie deals.As for Brown, he is currently under contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed a three-year, $96 million contract, with $84 million in guaranteed, in April 2024. His current contract keeps him through 2029. His total career earnings are $91 million. Anyhow, McManus reports that whichever team acquires Brown may be responsible for his $29 million salary in 2026 and approximately $4 million in guaranteed money in 2027.The New England Patriots may be finally out of competition for the Brown, now that they have signed Green Bay Packers WR Romeo Doubs. Doubs signed a four-year, $68 million contract with New England. However, some reports suggest this cannot be completely ruled out. But it surely does complicate a trade.Now that leaves us with: how much cap space does Cleveland have? According to Over The Cap, the Browns have $21.88 million in cap space. Would the Browns trade for Brown? Only time will tell…
