Until the final buzzer sounds on a trade, rumors will swirl surrounding A.J. Brown and the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Chargers are potentially facing the end of Quentin Johnston's time with the team, and many believe they need a truly dominant wide receiver to unlock their offense. Because of the drama and strife that's surrounded Brown and the Philadelphia Eagles over the past year, he will be the primary target on everyone's minds.
It remains in question whether Philadelphia will truly consider trading Brown. He's entering the first season of a three-year, $96 million contract extension. If it does happen, it's been made clear it will come after June 1.
But a recent piece written by ESPN's Tim McManus and Jeremy Fowler outlining the tenuous offensive situation in Philadelphia in 2025 has led to a fresh renewal of interest in the ongoing saga.
It's truly all projections and rumors at this point. But we could soon get a major hint about the Eagles' plans as soon as Day 1 or Day 2 of the draft. If they grab a receiver, it could signal the end of Brown's time in Philadelphia.
Eagles could grab their A.J. Brown replacement in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Again, these are all merely projections. But in Nick Baumgartner and Scott Dochterman's recent piece for The Athletic on potential draft fits, Omar Cooper Jr. out of Indiana was slated as the ideal fit for an Eagles squad attempting to revive their offense. The most dominant wide receiver on the most dominant team in college football, Cooper presents the exact archetype they would need to replace Brown's production.
Although he plays primarily out of the slot, he's a physical and gritty receiver willing to make the marginal plays that Philadelphia needs.
Even if the Eagles ultimately don't go with Cooper, this wide receiver class is so deep and features so many different archetypes in the early rounds that Philadelphia could certainly have their pick of the litter at 23rd overall.
Replacing Brown's production won't be easy. Even in a relative down year in 2025, he still amassed 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns.
But if Philadelphia uses one of their top draft picks on a receiver, it would certainly be a sign that the end of Brown's time with the team is nearing.
Even if Brown becomes available, it still feels relatively unlikely that Los Angeles will be involved in the sweepstakes given the cautious approach they've taken this offseason. But anytime a star of that caliber becomes available, it's worth paying attention.
The Chargers must therefore have their ears perked as the draft approaches.