For Philadelphia, the stat sheet reads 4-0 going into Week 5, but the mood in the locker room is hardly celebratory. Instead, it reeks of conflict, thanks to AJ Brown’s off-putting numbers. Held back with just 14 catches for 151 yards and one touchdown in four games, it’s clear that the star wide receiver has subtly lost his position as a top target for the time being. Now, couple that with his public show of frustration, and it’s clear why industry folks have already started preparing for a farewell.

“AJ Brown’s days in Philadelphia are numbered,” Julian Edelman began on the latest episode of the ‘Dudes on Dudes’ podcast. “I don’t know where to go with the Philadelphia Eagles on this, but I do know that AJ Brown loves Mike Vrabel. I do know that Drake Maye is doing some decent things over there. Maybe [Swole] Batman’s time in Philadelphia [is over]…[Eagles are] going to need him for sure. But you know Howie Roseman over there…That’s why I’m keeping it neutral because I could see him staying. But I could see Howie doing some crazy Howie stuff.”

Co-host Rob Gronkowski, though, is in two minds about it.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Pump the brakes, pump them hard,” the retired tight end first said, resisting the idea. “This is kind of like last year. We have already been through this, Julian. And then they won the Super Bowl, and AJ Brown came through when AJ Brown needed to come through. They need him this year in order to get back to the Super Bowl. Yes, they’ve been all over the place. [But] the Philadelphia Eagles, they’re 4 and 0 right now, and they just know how to win football games. And when they need that aerial attack, they’re going to have to come through and use it because that’s going to help them win games in the future.

“I can see him leaving the Eagles after this season, but they’re going to need [him] this year if they want to repeat and be Super Bowl champions,” Gronk then speculated, exactly in line with ESPN’ Jeremy Fowler.

“Some execs I spoke to this week don’t expect Philadelphia to trade Brown in-season but said that it could be something to entertain in the offseason,” the insider had written earlier this week.

But how likely is Brown to end up by Vrabel’s side? Let’s explore. For starters, once a part of the Tennessee Titans together (2019-2021), the duo know each other all too well. In fact, every time the WR’s name gets tangled in trade conversations, his former coach makes sure to spice things up. Just last season, weeks after the 28-year-old had complained of the Eagles‘ passing game, he was caught on camera reading ‘Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Purpose and the Best Possible Life’ on the sideline of the Wild Card round clash against the Green Bay Packers.

“Yeah, we’ll see,” Vrabel had said on that occasion, when jokingly asked about acquiring Brown. “I’m proud of his development, his personal development. And working on himself….He’s a passionate player, and I love him to death. And I have a very, very close relationship with him.”

You know what’s even more interesting? Vrabel being part of the New England Patriots—a team that literally made Brown go into the closet and cry “his eyes out” after the 2019 NFL Draft. Growing up as a Patriots fan, the young player was fully prepared to be drafted by Bill Belichick. However, as fate would have it, they ended up taking N’Keal Harry with the No. 32 pick. This makes many wonder: Maybe we can expect a full circle moment soon…

But now, here’s the financial kicker. AJ Brown’s contract with the Eagles is eye-popping. He’s signed up through 2029 with a three-year, $96 million extension. He has $84 million guaranteed and a staggering dead cap hit that exceeds $89 million in 2025 alone. That kind of contract is a double-edged sword: a star player’s talent locked in, but also a financial hurdle any team must navigate to make a trade happen. 

The Eagles, known for cap-savvy management, would demand “phenomenal return” value in any trade to justify moving Brown. They’d want draft picks or players who can fill his shoes or contribute in other ways. They can’t afford to simply trade away an asset this expensive and productive without a solid plan, especially with the looming controversies…

AJ Brown’s growing discontent with the Eagles

Though AJ Brown says he loves Philadelphia and trusts his quarterback, Jalen Hurts, the ongoing friction is a story to watch. Brown’s cryptic, “If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way,” social media post after the team’s 31-25 win over the Buccaneers has only fueled rumors of tension. However, Head Coach Nick Sirianni stressed his commitment to Brown, emphasizing trust and the necessity of his talent on the field.

“Obviously, AJ is very important to this football team,” Sirianni said. “He’s had a couple of games where he hasn’t been able to for different reasons. I question nothing about his desire to play great football, his desire of being a good teammate, his desire to be here.”

But words only stretch so far. If this uneasy relationship persists unaddressed, it threatens to become a distraction that affects team morale and game outcomes. So, are they truly on the same page?