The Cleveland Browns have become a prominent contender to acquire wide receiver A.J. Brown in a trade this offseason, according to reports. This potential move, discussed during the NFL offseason, could reunite Brown with quarterback Shedeur Sanders for an entire season, a pairing that might justify whatever deal the Philadelphia Eagles and Browns negotiate.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler identified the Browns as a team capable of executing a trade for Brown, highlighting Cleveland’s history of making bold receiver acquisitions. Fowler suggested the Browns might part with their 2026 first-round pick, No. 24 overall, to bring Brown to Cleveland, immediately enhancing the offense under new head coach Todd Monken. The Browns’ receiving corps struggled in 2025, finishing last in the NFL with just 1,467 receiving yards.
The Browns have two first-round picks (Nos. 6 and 24) after the Travis Hunter trade in April 2025,
Fowler explained.
They could use No. 6 on an offensive lineman and send No. 24 to the Eagles in exchange for Brown. This would immediately upgrade new head coach Todd Monken’s offense, giving the passing game a fighting chance alongside an already stout defense. Cleveland’s WR room totaled just 1,467 receiving yards in 2025, worst in the NFL. Browns general manager Andrew Berry is an ex-Eagles exec who has a rapport with (Howie) Roseman. Cleveland has a penchant for the splash receiver trade, acquiring Odell Beckham Jr., Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy during Berry’s tenure. All three players posted 1,000-yard seasons in Year 1 with the Browns.
Why Brown Joining the Browns Is a Logical Move
Although Brown appeared frustrated playing alongside veteran quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia, concerns about his adapting to a younger, less proven quarterback like Shedeur Sanders should be tempered. Brown’s contract lacks a no-trade clause, meaning Philadelphia controls his destination, and Cleveland is an option.
Despite doubts about immediate chemistry, there’s a plausible scenario where Brown and Sanders develop a productive partnership. Success could come if they manage to complement each other’s skills, offering the Browns a needed boost in their passing attack.
Examining the Risks Browns Must Consider Before Making the Trade
The Browns must weigh the warning signs tied to acquiring Brown, who brings some unpredictability on and off the field. Since being traded from the Tennessee Titans in 2022, Brown has earned three All-Pro selections and added a Super Bowl ring with Philadelphia, but his time there has been marked equally by vocal frustrations with the offense and quarterback situation.
Brown is known for expressing dissatisfaction even during successful stretches if his personal statistics lag behind expectations. This tendency may present challenges for team cohesion and consistency.
Few things are as frustrating than when you can optically see that (lack of effort) from one of your teammates,
former Eagles center Jason Kelce remarked during a radio interview on February 12.
Whatever was affecting A.J. (in 2025) was affecting the Eagles as well … he’s just unfortunately a player who allows his internal frustrations to manifest into his play, and it makes him play worse and makes the offense worse.
Given the Browns’ struggles in recent years, they might see Brown’s internal frustrations as manageable if he can be integrated effectively into their team.
The Potential Impact of Acquiring A.J. Brown on the Browns’ Future
If the Browns successfully land Brown, the acquisition could significantly elevate their offense in the competitive NFL landscape. Brown’s proven elite talent would complement Cleveland’s strong defense and address a major weakness in their passing game.
With Andrew Berry at the helm as general manager—who fostered receiver successes in Philadelphia—the Browns might replicate similar outcomes by maximizing Brown’s production. This trade could mark a pivotal moment in Cleveland’s efforts to become playoff contenders and improve offensive consistency under Todd Monken’s leadership.
Despite uncertainties surrounding Brown’s adjustment and temperament, the Browns appear to be one of the few franchises equipped financially and strategically to pursue the star wideout this offseason. The outcome of these trade talks will be a key storyline as the NFL offseason progresses.
