The AJ Brown Question: Eagles' Biggest Offseason Decision Looms Over Everything

The Elephant in the Room

Every Eagles offseason discussion eventually circles back to the same question: what happens with AJ Brown? It's the domino that determines everything else — draft strategy, free agency approach, cap allocation, and the fundamental identity of Sean Manion's offense.

The speculation is endless. Social media detectives are analyzing Brown's Instagram posts, noting that his graphic team put him in an Eagles jersey for a youth football camp event in Allentown. Others point to the "Fly Eagles Fly" caption as a sign he's staying. Let's be clear: AJ Brown is not coordinating his social media posts with Howie Roseman's trade plans.

The Eagles' Philosophy Matters Here

The Eagles have a clear organizational philosophy: they don't want hostages. As Mike Tomlin famously put it, "We want volunteers." Philadelphia hasn't used the franchise tag since DeSean Jackson in 2012 — a 14-year streak — precisely because they don't believe in forcing unhappy players to stay.

If AJ Brown truly doesn't want to be in Philadelphia, the Eagles will accommodate him. Not because they can't retain him, not because the cap forces their hand, but because an unhappy superstar creates a toxic environment that Howie Roseman and Jeffrey Lurie have consistently refused to tolerate.

The Silly Season Factor

Free agency doesn't officially start until March 11th, but the Combine next week is where the real conversations happen. Frameworks get discussed, trade parameters get established, and the Eagles' front office will get a much clearer picture of Brown's intentions.

Every rumor you hear over the next month will include "and the Eagles." That's just life with Howie Roseman — he calls every front office, checks on every player, maintains awareness of every market. It doesn't mean they're trading AJ Brown for Max Crosby and a bag of draft picks. It means they're doing due diligence, as they always do.

The Receiver Class Safety Net

If Brown does depart, this year's draft provides a cushion. The 2026 receiver class is historically deep — 17 receivers in Dane Brugler's top 100, headlined by Cornell Tate from Ohio State, Denzel Boston, Jordan Dyson, and a tier of day-two targets that goes seemingly forever.

A bold prediction floated on today's analysis: the Eagles take a wide receiver in the first round. That would effectively confirm Brown's departure and signal a new era in the receiving corps. DeVonta Smith would become the unquestioned WR1, with a rookie injection of speed and talent alongside him.

What to Actually Watch For

Ignore the social media tea leaves. Watch for combine conversations, Howie's body language at the podium, and — most importantly — whether the Eagles start making moves that only make sense if Brown isn't in the picture. That's when you'll know the answer.