ST.A $100M superstar stuck at 14 catches — this is exactly why A.J. Brown could be the centerpiece of a shocking Eagles-Broncos trade
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where superstar contracts collide with team dynamics, the Philadelphia Eagles find themselves at a crossroads with one of their most explosive weapons: wide receiver A.J. Brown. Signed to a massive $100 million extension, Brown was expected to be the cornerstone of an offense poised for another Super Bowl run. Instead, the 2025 season has been a frustrating tale of untapped potential, sparking wild trade rumors that could reshape two franchises.
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Let’s face it—the Eagles’ offense hasn’t clicked as anticipated. Brown, a proven game-changer with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and a key contributor to Philly’s Super Bowl appearance just two years ago, has been shockingly underutilized. Through four weeks, he’s hauled in a mere 14 catches for 151 yards and one touchdown. Breaking it down game by game paints an even starker picture: Week 1 saw him snag just one reception for eight yards; Week 2 brought five catches but only 27 yards; he finally erupted in Week 3 with six grabs for 109 yards; and Week 4? A dismal two catches for seven yards in a tough loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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This isn’t the A.J. Brown fans know—the dominant force who demands double coverage and turns short slants into highlight-reel touchdowns. Instead, he’s been relegated more to run-blocking duties than starring as the dynamic pass-catcher he was brought in to be. Frustration boiled over after the Bucs game when Brown posted a cryptic message on social media, fueling speculation that his days in green might be numbered.
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Enter Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated, who floated a blockbuster proposal that could send shockwaves through the league: trading Brown to the Denver Broncos in exchange for speedy wideout Marvin Mims Jr. and a third-round draft pick. It’s a deal that, on paper, addresses Philly’s potential cap crunch while injecting youth and versatility into their receiving corps.
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“I’m not exactly sure it should come down to this,” Verderame noted, “but it’s clear that Brown isn’t happy being more of a run blocker than a dynamic pass catcher. Honestly, Brown deserves to vent about his usage in the offense after doing what was required of him to help the Eagles win the Super Bowl last year.”
At 28, Brown is in his prime, but his muted production raises questions about fit in an offense centered around quarterback Jalen Hurts’ dual-threat style. For the Eagles, shedding Brown’s hefty contract could provide much-needed cap relief and a Day 2 pick to bolster the roster long-term—because even powerhouse teams can’t pay everyone forever. Pairing DeVonta Smith, tight end Dallas Goedert, and the incoming Mims might keep the passing game afloat, but is it championship-caliber? That’s the million-dollar (or rather, $100 million) question.
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On the flip side, this trade isn’t a total fire sale. Mims, a rising talent with electric speed and upside, brings more than just receiving skills—he’s a two-time All-Pro return specialist who could ignite Philly’s special teams. For a Broncos squad hungry for a proven alpha receiver to complement their young quarterback, Brown could be the missing piece to accelerate their rebuild.
Of course, this is all speculation for now. The Eagles aren’t desperate to move on from a player of Brown’s caliber unless tensions escalate. But in a league where chemistry and production are king, Brown’s frustration is a red flag worth monitoring. If the offense doesn’t turn things around soon, this “shocking” Eagles-Broncos swap could go from hypothetical to headline-grabbing reality before the trade deadline hits.
As the season unfolds, one thing’s clear: A.J. Brown’s talent is too immense to waste on the sidelines. Whether he stays in Philly or heads to the Mile High City, his next chapter promises drama, fireworks, and maybe even a fresh start for a $100M superstar itching to soar again.
