After a stunning wild-card loss, the Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver AJ Brown could demand a trade from the team after refusing to speak to reporters. Reportedly, the receiver gave handshakes to a few teammates on his way out of the locker room, which likely signals this is the last time he’s an Eagle. Brown has been upset and frustrated with the state of the Eagles’ offense and how they’re utilizing him in the aerial attack. After hauling in 25 receiving yards on three receptions, it’s understandable why the former first-round pick would want out.
A.J. Brown declined to speak to the media just now.
He gave handshakes to a handful of his teammates on his way out of the locker room and told a group of reporters he was “about to go.”
#Eagles pic.twitter.com/RG7bDEciff
— EJ Smith (@EJSmith94) January 12, 2026
Eagles $96 Million Star AJ Brown “Refused” to Speak to Media; Likely to Demand a Trade to These Three Teams
Philadelphia enters this upcoming offseason with a lot of questions, but the major storyline for them is AJ Brown. The star still has three years left on his current deal that runs through 2029, so the Eagles will need to take a loss if the receiver requests a trade. After getting in a heated exchange with head coach Nick Siranni, the two had to be separated on the sidelines during the first half. Now, Brown doesn’t want to speak, and most likely the next time you hear or see him will be when he decides he wants to leave Philadelphia.
The 28-year-old is still one of the better weapons in today’s league. Brown still recorded 1,000 receiving yards on 73 receptions despite the issues between him and the Eagles’ offense. It will be an interesting offseason for Philadelphia, and here are three teams that will take advantage of this moment.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
The ultimate landing spot for Brown will be the Los Angeles Chargers. They have formed one of the better ground games led by rookie Omarion Hampton, but have been silent to add any starpower in the receiver unit. Ladd McConkey is their top weapon, but they can’t afford to lean on veteran Keenan Allen forever as he will hit the market either way this free agency. Jim Harbaugh wants to run the football, but he can’t ignore the arm that Justin Herbert has to get a receiver shining and haul it in.
Herbert has been through enough injuries this 2025 season, and someone like Brown could gift him new hands as their new No. 1 pass-catcher.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
After trading George Pickens this past offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t done much to improve the wideout group other than acquiring DK Metcalf. The Steelers have been leaning on the old reliable of Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to make an impact. If the Steelers want Brown, the team should find a way to re-sign Aaron Rodgers to at least a two-year contract. Metcalf won’t take any snaps away from Brown, but the new potential duo should be something to watch for whoever comes in as the new quarterback.
3. New England Patriots
Brown has been linked to the New England Patriots for several months. With the Stefon Diggs drama, head coach Mike Vrabel might finally bite the bullet and pull the trigger to reunite with Brown. The Patriots have a franchise quarterback, an offensive line and a defense that can make life easier for this team all around. If Diggs continues to be a distraction, the Patriots have enough money to facilitate a trade for Brown.
