Full Breakdown
NFL Offseason Predictions: A.J. Brown and Lamar Jackson Trade Rumors
1/22/2026, 1:16:36 AM
A.J. Brown's Potential Trade to the Buffalo Bills
A.J. Brown, the Philadelphia Eagles' star wide receiver, is at the center of trade speculation as the offseason approaches. Reports indicate that Brown's dissatisfaction with his role in Philadelphia has reached a critical point, leading to predictions that he could be traded. NFL executives believe that the Buffalo Bills are a likely destination for Brown, who is viewed as an immediate upgrade over their current top receiver, Khalil Shakir. The Eagles could save approximately $7 million against the salary cap by trading Brown after June 1, which adds to the financial rationale for a potential move.
Brown's performance during the 2025 season, where he recorded 1,003 yards on 78 receptions, fell short of expectations, contributing to his frustrations. His relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts has reportedly soured, further complicating his future in Philadelphia. General Manager Howie Roseman acknowledged the difficulty of trading a player of Brown's caliber but did not dismiss the possibility, stating, "It is hard to find great players in the NFL, and A.J.’s a great player."
Other teams mentioned as potential suitors for Brown include the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and Las Vegas Raiders. However, the Bills appear to be the frontrunners due to their pressing need for a reliable wide receiver.
Lamar Jackson's Future with the Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson, the two-time MVP quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, is also the subject of trade rumors as the team navigates a tumultuous offseason. Following the dismissal of head coach John Harbaugh, owner Steve Bisciotti has expressed a desire to secure Jackson's future with a long-term contract. However, Jackson's $74.5 million cap hit for the 2026 season poses significant financial challenges for the franchise.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that multiple NFL executives predict a potential trade of Jackson to the Las Vegas Raiders. This speculation arises from perceived tensions between Jackson and the Ravens, particularly regarding his relationship with the previous coaching staff. An NFL personnel evaluator noted, "It just seems like there's been some consternation there with Lamar and the Ravens, and this would be the ultimate Mark Davis move."
Despite the trade rumors, many analysts believe that the Ravens will ultimately retain Jackson, as he remains a pivotal asset for the franchise. The team is expected to prioritize renegotiating his contract to alleviate the financial burden while ensuring he remains the centerpiece of their offense.
Criticism and Opposition
While the speculation surrounding both Brown and Jackson is rampant, there are dissenting opinions regarding the feasibility of these trades. Critics argue that trading away a player of Jackson's caliber would signify a major philosophical shift for the Ravens, contradicting their long-term strategy. Similarly, some analysts question whether the Eagles should part ways with Brown, emphasizing his impact on the team's success over the past seasons.
What's Next
As the NFL offseason progresses, both the Eagles and Ravens face critical decisions regarding their star players. The upcoming months will be pivotal in determining whether A.J. Brown and Lamar Jackson remain with their respective teams or if they will be traded to new franchises, reshaping the landscape of the league.
