The Los Angeles Chargers are still very much in the hunt for some of the top available wide receivers on the market, as the 2026 free agency frenzy could lead to trade candidates like Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown shaking loose.
After a down year last season (for his standards) and a disappointing title defense, Brown's name has popped up in trade rumors with alarming regularity. The Eagles are negotiating from a strong position, but that hasn't stopped teams like LA from at least checking in to see what the going rate is.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the Chargers are still very much in the Brown hunt, especially as the New England Patriots are reportedly struggling with meeting Philadelphia's asking price. The Los Angeles Rams checked in on Brown, but recently dropped out of the race.
Amid reports that Eagles mastermind Howie Roseman is reportedly holding out for a package that is similar to what the New York Jets got for Quinnen Williams (a first and second-round pick), the Chargers are aware that bringing Brown in will cost an arm and a leg.
Chargers in the hunt for Eagles WR A.J. Brown via trade
Brown is clearly angling for a change in schematic scenery, as the Eagles helped him with a championship as a No. 1 wide receiver. Even after replacing Kevin Patullo with Sean Mannion, Brown doesn't seem as keen on Philadelphia as he was in the past. Moving to Los Angeles would give him a much higher target share than what Jalen Hurts could provide.
Going to the Chargers might not change much from an attitude point of view. If he is reportedly unhappy enough to force his way off a championship contender, why would anything change if he is on a team that is likely further away from contention in what is a deeper AFC?
If the Chargers can get Brown to buy in, the fit makes a ton of sense. With a big-bodied target on the outside and Ladd McConkey bouncing back on the inside, Justin Herbert may have his best collection of perimeter players in years alongside a well-regarded OC in Mike McDaniel.
The Chargers haven't been accused of penny-pinching over the last few years, but they haven't always spent their money wisely. Adding Brown would be a huge commitment, but it would give Herbert a true No. 1 wide receiver who could help him overcome his playoff demons.