Chiefs Did Not Show Interest In A.J. Brown Earlier This Offseason
The Chiefs‘ issues at wide receiver have impacted their offensive production during the mid-2020s. After Patrick Mahomes‘ 2022 MVP season, Kansas City’s offense has ranked 15th, 15th and 21st in scoring over the past three campaigns. An upper-crust defense helped cover for the team’s offensive issues en route to Super Bowls LVIII and LIX, but Kansas City’s recent attacks have not approached the stratospheric heights of the early Mahomes period.
Since the Tyreek Hill trade, the Chiefs have missed in the draft (Skyy Moore), in free agency (Marquise Brown) and via trade (Kadarius Toney) at wide receiver. The team’s DeAndre Hopkins trade brought regular-season success but next to nothing in the 2024 playoffs. Xavier Worthy has also been more of an auxiliary weapon than a higher-end option. The Chiefs will be counting on Worthy this year, as they have been unable to depend on their top post-Hill receiver — Rashee Rice — since a productive rookie season.
Rice has missed extensive time due to injuries and a suspension. His most recent stumble involved trouble on both fronts, with a recent probation violation leading to the strange situation where the fourth-year wide receiver is now recovering from knee surgery in a Dallas prison. The latest Rice issue has moved an extension off the radar for the time being, and given the oddity this surgery rehab now brings, the Chiefs’ top wideout may need more recovery time. After the team did not draft a receiver until Round 5 (Cyrus Allen), rumblings about pursuing veteran help have emerged.
The Chiefs are being connected to the Stefon Diggs market, and Hill — presuming he recovers from a severe knee injury sustained last September — would represent a logical fit. Each would require only money to land, whereas A.J. Brown would involve trade compensation.
Prying Brown from the Eagles is likely to require a first-round pick, perhaps in 2028, and the Patriots — perhaps with some outside threats — are viewed as the favorites to land the former Titans draftee. Brown, however, put the Chiefs on his destination list earlier this offseason. As it stands, the Chiefs may not have similar interest.
Kansas City rejected a Philadelphia overture on Brown earlier this year, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, who notes the Chiefs “said no” to the Eagles on a potential trade opportunity. Brown included the Chiefs, Patriots, Bills and Chargers as desirable destinations. The lead Philly pass catcher does not have a no-trade clause, giving the team full control over his next destination (assuming the Eagles follow through with the long-rumored trade).
Brown is tied to a $32MM-per-year contract that features a full 2026 compensation guarantee and a $4MM guarantee in 2027. Brown being a six-time 1,000-yard receiver makes those figures reasonable (even considering his spree of role-related gripes), as the receiver market is now past $42MM AAV via Jaxon Smith-Njigba‘s March extension. It is possible the Chiefs reconsider on Brown due to the latest Rice setback, but Breer doubts that will happen. The team has not been big spenders at receiver since trading Hill.
The Chiefs have never authorized a receiver contract north of $18MM per year (Hill’s 2019 contract). Though Kansas City was negotiating an extension with Hill in 2022, the Raiders’ Davante Adams extension (five years, $140MM) changed the equation. The Chiefs opted to cash out on Hill rather than authorize a near-top-market re-up. The team has kept costs low at receiver since, with Hollywood Brown’s two $7MM deals the top contractual commitment for the team post-Hill.
Diggs joined the Patriots on a three-year, $63.5MM accord last March, but only $16.6MM of that pact came guaranteed at signing. That proved notable, as the Pats cut Diggs before a 2027 guarantee was set to vest. Diggs will turn 33 later this year, which will limit his earning power. The Chiefs also have other FA options in the event they add a player here, which was a rumored possibility before news of Rice’s probation violation surfaced. Hopkins, Deebo Samuel and Keenan Allen are also unattached.
With Rice on shaky ground regarding a long-term investment — as a franchise tag would be more logical even if he rebounds in 2026 — the Chiefs have Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, Allen and 2025 fourth-rounder Jalen Royals signed beyond this season (Royals, however, barely played as a rookie).
The team pursuing Brown ahead of his age-29 season would bring in a multiyear option, while one of the 30-somethings in free agency may well only cover a 2026 rental. But it would also be costly. The Chiefs have traded two first-rounders for veterans under GM Brett Veach — for Frank Clark (2019) and in the Orlando Brown Jr. package (2021) — but more recently have been on the receiving end of such trades (Hill, Trent McDuffie). Kansas City, which has Travis Kelce on a year-to-year arrangement at this point, will certainly need more help at the position through a longer-term lens soon.
Dolphins Extend RB De’Von Achane
MAY 21: For full guarantees, Achane’s contract comes in well south of the previously reported $32MM number. It contains $17.38MM guaranteed at signing, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. That ranks 13th among running backs. Another $3MM — from Achane’s 2028 salary ($14.23MM) — will vest in March 2027. That $3MM number is part of a $10MM 2028 guarantee; the remaining $7MM will lock in by March 2028, Florio adds.
Achane’s 2026 and ’27 compensation is guaranteed at signing. His 2029 and 2030 base salaries ($14.23MM, $15.72MM) are nonguaranteed, giving the Dolphins a realistic out after the 2027 season. Though, Achane’s camp did well to secure the early guarantee on part of his 2028 salary.
MAY 13: After months of discussions and trade rumors, the Dolphins have closed the deal to extend running back De’Von Achane. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Miami rusher has agreed to a four-year, extension worth up to $68MM with $32MM in guaranteed money.
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Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN clarified that Achane’s new deal has a base value of $64MM with bonuses worth up to $4MM. His annual average value ($16MM per year) and guarantee total are both all-time highs for running backs coming off their rookie deal. Achane is now set to enter the 2026 season with the position’s third-highest AAV, behind only Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey, and fourth-most guarantees, behind Barkley and recent top draft picks Ashton Jeanty and Jeremiyah Love.
Achane came to the NFL after three years at Texas A&M. Despite sitting second on the depth chart behind Isaiah Spiller for two years in College Station, Achane broke out in his sophomore season as RB2. After averaging 8.5 yards per carry as a true freshman in limited time, Achane continued that outrageous efficiency with more touches, averaging seven yards per carry en route to a 910-yard, nine-touchdown season. Unfortunately, Achane’s lone season leading the backfield for the Aggies was the 12th Man’s only losing season since 2009, but he continued to produce with 1,102 yards and eight touchdowns rushing.
In a loaded draft class for running backs, Achane received high grades, but his short, stout frame caused him to slip far behind the first-round ranks of Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. After getting selected in the third round by Miami, Achane joined a backfield that had struggled through the 2022 season led by Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Chase Edmonds, Salvon Ahmed, and Myles Gaskin. With Achane spelling him, Mostert excelled in a starting role, rushing for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career and leading the league in rushing touchdowns with 18.
Used to coming off the bench with efficiency, Achane was not slowed down by the transition to the NFL. After receiving one carry in the team’s first two contests, he exploded onto to the scene with rushing lines of 18 carries-203 yards-2 touchdowns, 8-101-2, and 11-151-1 in his next three games before landing on injured reserve with a knee injury. Despite the time missed due to injury, Achane finished the year with 800 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 7.8 yards per carry.
Achane took lead back duties from Mostert the following year, but a far less effective all-around unit resulted in Achane finishing with just 907 yards and six touchdowns rushing, though he added a new element to his game with 78 catches for 592 yards and six more scores. Last year, Achane bounced back much closer to the expectations that followed his explosive start in 2023. Starting all 16 games for Miami, he totaled 1,350 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground, adding 488 yards and four touchdowns receiving.
Unfortunately for Achane, as he’s gotten healthier and returned to form, the Dolphins have backslid into what looks now to be a rebuild. Former starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was released, shouldering Miami with record-setting dead money, star wide receiver Tyreek Hill was released, and WR2 Jaylen Waddle has been traded away. While the Dolphins were okay parting ways with those key assets, it seemed Achane was where they drew the line.
As the team’s 2025 campaign finally began to come to a close, Achane made it known that he intended to stay in Miami, telling reporters he was seeking an extension. As a lack of team success spurred several teams to inquire about potential assets the Dolphins might be willing to move, the team made it clear that Achane was not available. The 24-year-old was absent from voluntary team activities once April came, but extension talks were well underway by then and really starting to gain traction. He’s landed his new deal now and become a key building block for the franchise.
To ease the financial pains of the transactions that removed Tagovailoa, Hill, and Waddle, Achane and center Aaron Brewer agreed to restructured deals. Well, according to Louis-Jacques, Brewer is believed to be one of two other players expected to follow Achane’s lead to a new extension. The other player Louis-Jacques beileves could land a new deal soon is veteran linebacker Jordyn Brooks.
Eagles To Shift Cooper DeJean To Safety; Latest On Marcus Epps’ Role
Cooper DeJean soared to first-team All-Pro acclaim last season, earning that honor for his standout work as a slot cornerback. That will still be DeJean’s primary position, but the Eagles are introducing a wrinkle for the third-year standout.
Philadelphia intends to play DeJean at safety in base sets, Vic Fangio said Thursday (via The Athletic’s Zach Berman). This will mark a change for the Iowa product, who primarily served as an outside cornerback in the Eagles’ base defense last season.
The Eagles navigated issues at the corner position alongside DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell last season, but they made a move to address that spot in free agency. Riq Woolen joined the team on a one-year, $12MM deal. Woolen is now in line to play opposite Mitchell as a boundary corner in base sets, with the Eagles prepared to roll out a Mitchell-Woolen-DeJean trio in nickel packages.
While DeJean and Andrew Mukuba will start at safety when Fangio’s group plays in base — which assuredly will be less than the Eagles use sub-packages — the veteran DC said a competition will commence to determine who will play alongside Mukuba at safety in nickel looks. Marcus Epps, whose second Eagles stint will continue thanks to a one-year contract signed in March, may be the favorite for that role. Fangio said Epps will receive a strong look for the role.
The Eagles turned to Epps as a regular in their Super Bowl LVII season but did not re-sign either of their safety starters from that NFC champion squad. Epps and C.J. Gardner-Johnson relocated in 2023, with Epps joining the Raiders on a two-year, $12MM deal. After a season-ending injury in 2024, Epps signed with the Patriots last year. New England released him, upon request from the DB, and he rejoined the Eagles on a practice squad agreement soon after. This came months after Philly ended Gardner-Johnson’s second stint early, trading him to the Texans.
Epps, 30, started four games for the Eagles last season and played 33% of Philly’s defensive snaps. The former Vikings sixth-round pick is tied to only a $1.55MM contract for 2026. A regular role would give him a chance to secure better terms — from either the Eagles or another team — by the start of the 2027 league year. The Eagles lost starter Reed Blankenship to the Texans in free agency and traded Sydney Brown to the Falcons days later. That opens a spot alongside Mukuba, a 2025 second-round pick.
DeJean’s slot skillset will clear a path for Epps, though the Eagles also have Michael Carter II and rookie seventh-rounder Cole Wisniewski rostered. Veteran corner Jonathan Jones resides as insurance at that position, but DeJean will not have a challenger for his slot role thanks to two impact seasons coming out of the 2024 second round. The Eagles experimented with DeJean at safety during the 2025 offseason, but he has only logged two career snaps in a deep safety role.
The Eagles became the first team since the 2016 Broncos (Chris Harris, Aqib Talib) to land two cornerbacks on the All-Pro first team. Pro Football Focus ranked DeJean eighth among corners last season, when he notched his first two regular-season interceptions. DeJean’s Super Bowl LIX pick-six helped turn that game into a rout, and the Eagles will surely have extension plans for both he and Mitchell. For now, DeJean — who saw some safety action with the Hawkeyes — will do some cross-training before assuming an interesting 2026 dual role.
WR Collin Johnson Retires
Collin Johnson announced his retirement on Thursday. The receiver’s NFL career has therefore come to an end at the age of 28.
“Football has shaped my life in more ways than I can put into words,” Johnson’s announcement reads in part. “It taught me faith, discipline, resilience, leadership, and how to compete at the highest level. I’m thankful for every teammate, coach, organization, and person who helped me along the way.”
Johnson entered the league as a Jaguars draftee in 2020. The former fifth-round pick spent his rookie season with the Jaguars, but only ended up playing one year in Jacksonville. Johnson would go on to see time with the Giants and Bears over the course of his career. The Texas product’s last regular-season game came with Chicago in 2024.
Instead of aiming to land on a roster this summer, Johnson will turn his focus to academic and business pursuits. His announcement states he will enroll at MIT Sloan this fall with the intent of graduating with an MBA. Johnson is the founder and CEO of Beyond-Sports, and his company is set to expand by launching Founders Academy to assist current and former athletes with business ventures.
In total, Johnson made 38 appearances in the NFL. He amassed roughly $3.6MM in career earnings along the way. Attention in his case will now turn to a clearly-defined next chapter.
Vikings Sign DL Isaiahh Loudermilk
Isaiahh Loudermilk is changing teams for the first time in his career. The sixth-year defensive lineman signed with the Vikings on Thursday, per a team announcement.
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Loudermilk entered the league as a fifth-round pick of the Steelers. He handed a 29% snap share as a rookie but did not take on an increased role over time. Ahead of roster cutdowns in 2024, Loudermilk’s spot was in question. He remained in the fold for the final season of his rookie contract but was again used in a rotational capacity.
The Wisconsin product re-signed with Pittsburgh last spring. The 2025 season did not provide a boost to Loudermilk’s value, however. He was limited to just two games after being injured in September. That, coupled with limited production when healthy, contributed to a lengthy stay on the open market in 2026.
The defensive interior has undergone a number of changes in the case of the Vikings this spring. Both Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were released in cost-shedding moves prior to free agency. They were largely replaced not by other veterans but rather by rookies during last month’s draft. The Vikings added Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange in the first and third rounds of the event, respectively. Loudermilk will spend spring practices as well as training camp competing for a depth role along with the other newcomers.
The Vikings entered Thursday with roughly $11.5MM in cap space. This Loudermilk deal will no doubt check in at or near the league minimum, so it will not have a significant impact on any other roster-building moves made in the near future.
Raiders ‘Counting’ On DE Maxx Crosby To Return By Training Camp
MAY 21: Crosby remains away from the team at this time but he continues to make “significant strides” on the recovery front, SportsBoom’s Jason La Canfora reports. He adds general managers around the league still see a trade in this case as being highly unlikely, so attention will remain focused on a return to practice in Vegas later this offseason.
MAY 20: The dust has settled a bit since Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby took a quick trip to Baltimore. Though several trade rumors have surfaced since then, none have gained purchase, and Crosby appears to be destined to play his 2026 campaign in Las Vegas. With Crosby still working his way back from injury, though, the Raiders are reportedly “counting” on Crosby to be cleared for play by the start of training camp, according to Raiders columnist Paul Gutierrez.
For the second year in a row, Crosby missed the team’s final stretch of games due to injury. In 2025, though, his season-ending absences came with a bit more controversy as Crosby pushed back against the narrative that he couldn’t play to finish out the year. Having played through a knee injury for about a month and a half, Crosby had every intention of continuing to play through the pain, but with a No. 1 overall pick in reach, Las Vegas was taking zero chances.
After getting shut down against his will, Crosby did end up undergoing meniscus surgery, and in the process, the documented surgery results and scans detailed short- and long-term prognoses that would cause eventual controversy and create offseason headlines. While Crosby’s surgeon, famed knee specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache, affirmed that Crosby would recover in time to play in 2026, the Ravens expressed concerns about his long-term prognosis and whether the injury might eventually end his career prematurely.
Now, Crosby is back in Vegas, continuing to rehab from the surgery and hoping to be able to return by training camp as his team hopes he will. New head coach Klint Kubiak has voiced a vote of confidence in Crosby, per Gutierrez, telling the media that “he wouldn’t be surprised if Crosby was ahead of schedule.” The Raiders don’t need “ahead of schedule,” though, they just need their star pass rusher back for the push into the preseason as they begin a new era under their rookie head coach-quarterback duo.
Chiefs Viewed As Potential WR Stefon Diggs Suitor
Stefon Diggs remains one of the top free agents on the market. The veteran wideout is among many who will presumably have their next deal in place no later than the start of training camp this summer.
A return to the Patriots (provided they do not wind up trading for A.J. Brown) could be in store, while the Ravens were recently named as a team to watch regarding a receiver addition. The same is also true of the Chiefs, though. Diggs represents one of the options who could receive consideration in Kansas City’s case.
Multiple executives who spoke with SportsBoom’s Jason La Canfora pointed to the Chiefs as a logical landing spot for Diggs. Adding a veteran WR would help alleviate concerns with the team’s depth chart, one which lost Marquise Brown in free agency and did not see any experienced wideouts brought in as a replacement. Kansas City added Cyrus Allen in the fifth round of last month’s draft, but he will of course be expected to handle a depth role.
The Chiefs also have the likes of Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton in place alongside Rashee Rice. Rice’s recent probation violation will result in 30 days of jail time, and his latest legal issue has cast renewed doubt on his future in Kansas City. An extension for the 26-year-old is not being planned at this time. Rice is therefore on track to enter the final year of his rookie contract without clarity beyond that point.
That factor, coupled with Rice’s recent knee surgery, could point further in the direction of a low-cost Chiefs deal late in free agency. The team currently has just under $6MM in cap space, so a splashy signing will not be viable. Adding a veteran such as Diggs on an affordable one-year pact could help stabilize the WR spot, however. The 32-year-old was limited to eight games by an ACL tear in 2024 but he has otherwise topped 1,000 yards every season since 2018.
As La Canfora notes, Diggs’ market has picked up since he was recently acquitted of assault and strangulation charges. A league investigation into the matter is still ongoing, meaning discipline through a fine and/or suspension remains possible. Nevertheless, it would come as little surprise if Diggs were to have his next NFL opportunity lined up by July at the latest. It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs make a push to sign him over the coming weeks.
Eagles’ Nolan Smith Arrested For Speeding, Reckless Driving
Eagles outside linebacker Nolan Smith was arrested this past Friday for speeding and reckless driving, as detailed by ESPN’s Tim McManus.
Notes from the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office indicate Smith was traveling 135mph in a 70mph zone on the interstate prior to being stopped at 10:41pm. Smith posted bond shortly after being booked, per the sheriff’s office. A future court date has been set.
Smith entered the league in 2023 as an Eagles first-rounder. He represents one of several former Georgia defenders selected by Philadelphia in recent years. The Bulldogs have developed a reputation for off-field incidents given the number of driving charges in particular which have emerged over the years, although this is the first arrest in Smith’s case.
After operating as a backup during his rookie season, Smith took on a starting role in 2024. The 25-year-old posted 6.5 sacks in the regular season and added another four during the playoffs. Expectations were high after he played a key role in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run, but Smith was limited to 12 games in 2025. He totaled three sacks in that span.
Eyeing an upgrade along the edge after Jaelan Phillips‘ free agent departure, the Eagles swung a trade for Jonathan Greenard. The former Vikings Pro Bowler will be counted on to handle starting duties, and at least a two-year run alongside Smith can be expected. Roughly one month ago, the Eagles elected to pick up Smith’s fifth-year option; he is under team control through the 2027 campaign as a result. Smith will collect $13.75MM that season.
The Eagles will begin spring practices on May 21 by starting OTAs. Those will be followed by mandatory minicamp June 9-10. Smith’s availability on that front will be tied to the timing of his upcoming court date.
Aaron Rodgers Plans To Retire After 2026
It appears Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will ride off into the sunset after the 2026 season. Meeting with the media on Wednesday, Rodgers revealed that he will only play one more year (via Brooke Pryor of ESPN).
“Yes,” said Rodgers when asked if this will be his last season.
It is worth pointing out that Rodgers made similar comments last June, a couple of weeks after the former Packer and Jet ended a protracted trip to free agency to join the Steelers. It was a similarly drawn-out process this spring, but Rodgers finally agreed to return last weekend for a guaranteed $22MM. Rodgers stated that he made the decision after last month’s draft, adding he has been in Pittsburgh since early May (via Pryor). The four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer is now in line to play his 22nd season at the age of 42 (he’ll turn 43 in December).
Rodgers’ respect for longtime head coach Mike Tomlin influenced his decision to sign with Pittsburgh in 2025. The two went on to form a strong connection in a 10-7, AFC North-winning campaign for the Steelers. Rodgers did not resemble his all-world Green Bay self, but he bounced back from a couple of forgettable Jets seasons to win 10 of his 16 starts. He completed 65.7% of passes (in line with his career mark of 65.1), tossed 24 touchdowns against just seven interceptions, and posted a respectable 94.8 traditional rating.
While the regular season was a success for the Rodgers-led Steelers, the franchise extended its playoff losing streak to seven games. Led by a ferocious defense, Houston went into Pittsburgh in the wild-card round and crushed the Steelers, 30-6. Tomlin resigned shortly after that. It appeared Rodgers would follow Tomlin out the door, but then the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as their head coach. McCarthy held the same position in Green Bay from 2006-18. He and Rodgers won their only Super Bowl together, and the QB also took home two of his MVP awards in that span.
Rodgers told reporters Wednesday that he suggested McCarthy to Steelers general manager Omar Khan after Tomlin stepped down (via Pryor). The QB and coach were in communication over the past few months.
“There is a full aspect circle that piqued my interest of coming back,” Rodgers said of reuniting with McCarthy (via Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show).
Tomlin never posted a sub-.500 season in any of his 19 years at the helm, and he ended his Pittsburgh tenure with three straight playoff berths. The Steelers will expect similar regular-season results in McCarthy’s first year and Rodgers’ last, though it will go down as a disappointment if they are once again immediately dispatched in the playoffs. The Steelers have not won a postseason game since January 2017, which has led to increased frustration from their fan base.
With Rodgers’ career nearing an end, the Steelers may have to shop for a starting signal-caller yet again next offseason. That will depend on how much faith they have in 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard and rookie third-rounder Drew Allar. Since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 campaign, Pittsburgh has been unable to find a long-term answer at the game’s foremost position.
The Steelers spent a 2022 first-rounder on Kenny Pickett, but he lasted just two years with the organization. After Pickett flamed out, they brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as starting options in 2024. Despite making the playoffs that year, the Steelers were not impressed enough to bring Wilson or Fields back for a second season. That led them to Rodgers, who will go down as a two-year starter for the franchise.
Rodgers will enter his final season fourth all-time in touchdown passes and fifth in both yards and completions. He is 13 TD tosses from 540, which would move him past Peyton Manning for third on the list. He will also have a chance to become just the sixth QB to ever start a game at age 43 or older (via James Palmer of Bleacher Report).
Eagles’ A.J. Brown Talks With Rams Advanced Further Than Negotiations With Patriots
Less than two weeks remain until the A.J. Brown trade window truly opens, with June 2 looming as the point where the Eagles‘ financial burden would ease and create a manageable dead money blow for 2026. However, Philadelphia may not move on immediately after that pivotal date.
The Eagles could certainly hang onto their top wide receiver for weeks or months beyond June 2 in hopes a bidding war drives up the price. Philly has been insistent on receiving a first-round pick in a Brown swap. The most recent known talks with the Patriots — long viewed as Brown’s most likely destination — had not involved a Round 1 choice being proposed. Without other serious suitors, however, New England could keep its price where it is and wait for Philadelphia to relent.
[RELATED: Stefon Diggs Patriots Return Could Hinge On Brown Path]
If talks with the Pats continue down this path, the Eagles will surely reassess other teams’ interest. Revisiting Rams negotiations may be prudent for the seller here, and NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo notes the Eagles’ talks with the NFC West club advanced further than their Patriots negotiations the first time around.
The Rams entered into Davante Adams trade talks, in a scenario in which Brown would effectively replace the 33-year-old standout, but the accomplished pass catcher remains on Los Angeles’ roster. Uncertainty around Puka Nacua has emerged this offseason as well, with a rehab stint — after a woman alleged Nacua bit her twice, made an antisemitic remark and exhibited “rude or vulgar, threatening, violent, and harassing conduct” — taking place this year. The first-team All-Pro came up as an extension candidate, as this is his contract year, but that noise has quieted. It is worth wondering if the Rams will table that goal for now.
With Adams set to turn 34 before this season ends and both he and Nacua in contract years, the Rams could reengage on Brown, who is controlled through 2029. It would be interesting if the team showed an openness to acquiring Brown without offloading one of its top two wideouts.
The Rams have more than $20MM in effective cap space, with Ty Simpson‘s rookie deal not yet finalized. Brown is tied to a veteran-minimum salary (for cap purposes) but is due a guaranteed $27.45MM option bonus before the season. Brown, who already has a $4MM guarantee for 2027, is due option bonuses worth $19.41MM, $29.36MM and $28.32MM from 2027-29.
L.A. considered Makai Lemon and Kenyon Sadiq at No. 13 before deciding to draft Simpson, who had not been expected to go off the board that early. It would be interesting to see if Brown could represent a method of Matthew Stafford appeasement, as a Nacua-Adams-Brown trio would be on the short list for best in NFL history. Brown would also give the Rams, in theory, a pass catcher to build around beyond this season. It would be interesting to see if the Rams would swing the door open for a Nacua tag-and-trade move in 2027 if they pulled off a Brown acquisition, but some moving parts would come with such a transaction.
The Rams are certainly not shy about trading first-round picks. Les Snead has traded future firsts on five separate occasions over the past decade — with the Jared Goff trade-up preceding the Stafford, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Ramsey and Trent McDuffie swaps — and the team no longer needs to hold its 2027 or ’28 firsts for a quarterback move.
With Stafford going into an age-38 season, it would stand to reason the Rams are open for business with regards to moving a future first to strengthen their 2026 roster. A Stafford extension — which is widely expected — would also reduce the reigning MVP’s cap number ($48.27MM) and increase 2026 flexibility.
Roseman has set a firm asking price of a first-rounder, Garafolo adds. Even though the Eagles’ acquisitions of Lemon, Marquise Brown, Dontayvion Wicks make it quite likely Brown will be moved, the team could hold out in hopes better value arrives in a deal later in the summer. Trade parameters, though, could already be in place with the Patriots. A first-rounder — perhaps in 2028 — should be expected in a deal, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler said during a 97.5 The Fan interview (h/t Yardbarker), but it is unlikely the Eagles land more than that here. The Eagles had previously hoped for first- and second-round picks for Brown, but Fowler does not expect such a haul to materialize.
Offers have come in for Brown, Bleacher Report’s James Palmer said during an Up & Adams appearance (h/t PhillyVoice.com), but no trade negotiations have taken place recently. That could set up a long ending to this saga, as the Eagles certainly do not have to move Brown in early June.
The Bills also inquired on Brown before acquiring D.J. Moore, while the Ravens — linked to Brown earlier this year — loom as a possible suitor as well. The Chiefs just saw more hurdles emerge for Rashee Rice, leaving Xavier Worthy as the team’s only safe bet to be a notable receiver on their 2027 roster.
Jaylen Waddle fetched first- and third-round picks from the Broncos, and the Eagles assuredly took notice regarding their effort to move Brown. Waddle did not post Brown-like numbers in Miami but was also not seen as a distraction, which Brown certainly has been in Philly.
New England should probably still be considered the favorite here. But the Eagles failing to see a first-rounder put on the table would create an interesting decision for Roseman, given his offseason investments at the position. This saga stretching past early June will be squarely in play in the event unsatisfactory offers continue to emerge.