The first massive domino to fall in the offseason for the Philadelphia Eagles was the removal of Kevin Patullo as offensive coordinator, a move everyone agreed with.
Philly's next big decision on who will replace Patullo, though, might be bigger than just the future of the franchise. It could also decide whether star receiver A.J. Brown will be a part of the team in 2026 or if he will push for a trade in the offseason like he did multiple times throughout the regular season.
At least, that was The Athletic's Dianna Russini's big warning to Eagles fans when she made an appearance on SportsRadio 94 WIP. Russini made it known that Brown controls what happens in the offseason with him, not general manager Howie Roseman.
“It’s going to be up to him whether he wants to do this—if he wants to be in Philadelphia, play with Jalen (Hurts), and believes this offense is for him.”
A.J. Brown controls his own destiny on what 2026 looks like for him
Brown will be keeping a close eye on what is happening with the Eagles over the next couple of months, as a lot needs to be decided. First, Brown has to believe in the new offensive coordinator and his system. If that happens, it will be a first step toward keeping him.
Other factors will come into play regarding whether he wants to keep Hurts as his quarterback. If Brown believes that Hurts will throw him the football more, he's more likely to continue playing in Philly.
That's why the offensive coordinator hire is so important. The new hire will be the authority Brown needs to know if one, he will get the ball more, and two, whether Hurts is willing to do it in the passing game.
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Trade rumors are going to swarm Philadelphia for a long time this offseason as everyone wants to see it happen. That all depends on whether Brown wants that to happen or if he gives the Eagles a second chance to prove that they want him as the number one target in the offense.