Rams Considered Blockbuster Trade for Eagles' A.J. Brown

Potential deal would have sent Davante Adams to Philadelphia, but medical concerns scuttled the plan.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:04pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the official team colors of the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles, representing the intricate discussions and decision-making process behind a potential high-profile player trade.A conceptual illustration depicting the complex negotiations and financial considerations behind a potential blockbuster trade between the Rams and Eagles.Inglewood Today

The Los Angeles Rams were in discussions to trade star wide receiver Davante Adams to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for fellow wideout A.J. Brown, according to Rams head coach Sean McVay. However, the deal fell through due to medical record issues, sparing the Rams from having to part with Adams and also pay top dollar for both him and Brown.

Why it matters

This potential trade would have significantly reshaped the receiving corps of both the Rams and Eagles, with the Rams potentially gaining a younger star in Brown but losing the proven production of Adams. The financial implications were also a major factor, as the Rams would have been unable to afford both Adams and Brown's lucrative contracts.

The details

The Rams were open to trading Adams, a star wide receiver, to the Eagles in exchange for A.J. Brown. However, a medical record issue with one of the players made the trade unnecessary to complete. The Rams were prepared to part with Adams, but ultimately decided against it due to the high cost of retaining both him and Brown, who was in line for a $29 million per year extension.

  • The trade discussions took place earlier this month.
  • Adams was due a $6 million roster bonus in mid-March, which was a factor in the timing of the potential trade.

The players

Davante Adams

A star wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams.

A.J. Brown

A wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles who was in line for a lucrative contract extension.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams who confirmed the trade discussions.

Puka Nacua

A Rams wide receiver who was also in line for a contract extension, with the market moving to $42.15 million per year.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

A wide receiver who signed a deal that helped set the new market price for wide receiver contracts.

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What they’re saying

“I've talked with Davante about that, and if we felt like it was best for our team, we would've done that.”

— Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams

What’s next

The Rams will now focus on retaining their own wide receiver talent, such as Puka Nacua, rather than pursuing a trade for A.J. Brown.

The takeaway

This potential blockbuster trade highlights the complex financial and roster management decisions NFL teams face, as they must balance the desire to acquire top talent with the realities of salary cap constraints and roster construction.