A.J. Brown reveals 'why it’s frustrating at times' to be with Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown continues to be the subject of interesting rumors regarding his future ahead of the upcoming NFL trade deadline, which will arrive at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
The Eagles reportedly don't plan to make Brown available this fall amid their Super Bowl title defense. During a recent chat with Brooks Kubena of The Athletic, Brown addressed his mindset and touched upon what motivates him as a player.
A.J. Brown shares why "it’s frustrating at times" to be with Eagles
"I know everybody’s counting on me — that’s my thrill," Brown explained. "And then I come through. That makes me proud of myself. And I’m doing it over and over again. And then I got another opportunity a couple of plays later. Third down. Everybody knows the ball’s coming to me. I love that feeling. Like, it’s a rush. I don’t do drugs, but that has to be what drugs feels like. And I’m getting that dopamine. And I’m coming through for my team again."
Earlier in October, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that Brown and fellow Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith were frustrated with their roles in the offense and wanted "more touchdowns." That was before they tallied a combined 13 receptions for 304 yards and three scores in Philadelphia's 28-22 win at the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 19.
Brown more recently missed the Eagles' 38-20 victory over the New York Giants that improved Philadelphia to 6-2 this past Sunday because of a hamstring injury.
"...That’s where the excitement comes from," Brown continued. "And that’s why it’s frustrating at times. And maybe people really misunderstand me as a player, but those feelings — that’s what I want. You may see a little frustration. It’s because I really want to contribute. I really want to help this team win. But if I’m not getting the ball, obviously, it’s not as fun."
A.J. Brown reveals "main goal" ahead of trade deadline
The Eagles are in their bye and, thus, won't play again before all trades must be completed this season. Brown theoretically could've used Wednesday's piece to make it clear he would embrace a fresh start elsewhere, but he stopped short of confirming he wants to be traded.
"Obviously, I want to win," Brown added while speaking with Kubena. "That’s the main goal. But I want to help. I want to do my thing as well. And so it’s a little toll here and there sometimes. But I think that’s where the misunderstanding comes from, from everyone out there. But to be honest, I could really care less. This got me here. You know? And me playing this way, me having that drive, me having that mindset — it’s going to keep me here."
On Oct. 25, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Eagles were "not looking to trade" Brown. That's all well and good, but it remains fair to wonder if an offseason divorce involving the two sides is the inevitable conclusion to this saga.
Cowboys Trade for Myles Garrett Just Got a Lot More Likely After New Report
A notable NFL insider has offered up a detailed explanation for why the Dallas Cowboys making a blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett in the next week is very realistic.
After the Cleveland Browns gave superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett a four-year extension worth $160 million earlier this year, it seemed even more likely that the six-time Pro Bowler would actually finish his career in Cleveland. Then Week 8 happened.
On Sunday, Garrett had a game of a lifetime as he posted five sacks against the New England Patriots. However, it meant nothing as the Browns were still blown out by a score of 32-13. Garrett was seen enraged on the sidelines late in the game, and speculation grew louder that he could push for an exit like he reportedly did earlier this year.
However, many around the game believe his massive contract would make a trade very difficult. But, according to ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano, that may not necessarily be the case. He admits that trading Garrett now would mean a big dead cap hit to Cleveland in the years ahead. But various teams have taken on bigger cap hits while getting nothing in return.
“That’s a lot of dead money, but it’s not even close to the record,” Graziano writes. “The Broncos took on about $80 million when they cut Russell Wilson last year, and they made the playoffs last season and look poised to do so again. The Buccaneers are still carrying Tom Brady’s dead money and they won their division every season. We see teams do this more and more as the salary cap continues to rise significantly each year.”
Cowboys could create perfect draft scenario for Browns in Myles Garrett trade
Along with that, Graziano added that there are two other key factors in a potential trade before the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline. First, Garrett has to want it. Considering the Browns’ long-term outlook and where he would go in the deal, waiving his no-trade clause shouldn’t be a big problem. But Cleveland also must get an offer that makes it worth taking on all that dead money.
Well, the Cowboys are one of the few teams that can make the sort of offer the Browns would want, and that is two first-round picks in April, according to Graziano. After the Micah Parsons trade, they will have two first-rounders in 2026, and following his exit, they still have a desperate need for pass-rushing help this season and beyond.
- Myles Garrett stats: 8 games, 10 sacks, 31 tackles, 15 tackles for loss
“Cleveland would be looking at the possibility of having four first-round selections in the 2026 draft,” Graziano wrote. “The Browns would be able to completely control Round 1 and come out of it with whichever quarterback they wanted. The acquiring team would have to pay Garrett a fairly reasonable $31.5 million in fully guaranteed money in 2026 and about $30.5 million in 2027.”
Based on those details, it sure seems like a blockbuster Myles Garrett trade for the Dallas Cowboys is there for the taking if the star pass rusher really wants out. Especially since the Browns could have a franchise-changing draft next year from what they could get in the deal.
