The Buffalo Bills are preparing for the 2026 offseason with hopes of enhancing their wide receiver group to better support quarterback Josh Allen and new head coach Joe Brady’s vision. Central to this plan is Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown, whose performance dip in 2025 has heightened speculation that he may soon be traded.
Originally acquired by the Eagles in the 2022 NFL Draft through a deal involving a first and third-round pick, Brown’s value has shifted after four seasons. Approaching 29 years old and known league-wide as a challenging personality, his trade price has reportedly decreased, prompting Buffalo fans to weigh the cost of bringing him in.
Projected Draft Picks for A.J. Brown Make the Trade Appealing to Bills Management
Analyst Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports predicts that acquiring Brown could cost the Bills as little as a third and fifth-round draft pick, a relatively low price for a player of Brown’s caliber, who has earned three 2nd Team All-Pro selections. Such a modest trade cost provides an opportunity for general manager Brandon Beane to address Buffalo’s need for a dominant receiver capable of anchoring the offense.
While the Bills possess several capable receivers, the absence of a clear No. 1 target has limited their offensive potential. Brown’s arrival would provide that missing centerpiece and significantly open up the team’s offensive strategies.
However, Brandon Beane faces a challenging salary cap situation. Brown’s contract includes a $23.4 million cap hit for the upcoming season, along with $29 million guaranteed. Even if the trade itself requires only mid-round picks, the financial commitment remains substantial, representing a sizeable investment for the Bills’ receiver depth.
Managing a High-Maintenance Star: Lessons from Stefon Diggs
Buffalo’s experience with demanding top receivers could ease the transition for Brown. Stefon Diggs, known for his high expectations, received at least 154 targets each season over four years with the Bills, a relationship that helped balance performance and satisfaction. Although Brown is nearing 30 and may receive fewer targets than Diggs once did, sufficient opportunities will likely be available to maintain his production and contentment.
Joe Brady’s Familiarity with Elite Receivers Adds Confidence in Brown’s Fit
Coach Joe Brady brings valuable experience working with premier receivers like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase during his 2019 LSU offense. This background, combined with Buffalo’s ambitions for a Super Bowl run, makes the Bills an enticing destination for a player like Brown.
If Philadelphia faces multiple bidders offering comparable trade packages, Buffalo’s combination of coaching expertise and championship aspirations could be a decisive factor in securing Brown’s services.
