Over the last two years, the number one topic about the Philadelphia Eagles has been whether they would trade or keep star wide receiver A.J. Brown, almost like a sitcom with a "will they, won't they" scenario.
Brown is coming off the worst season of his Eagles career, with 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns, and he did not make the Pro Bowl or All-Pro for the first time since joining the Eagles. The drama and frustration are real with Brown, as he asked to be traded multiple times throughout the season but never got his wish.
While participating in media coverage of the Super Bowl at media row, PHLY Eagles reporter E.J. Smith discussed the real conversations being had about Brown in the NFL and whether a trade this offseason is real. It may be tough for Eagles fans to hear, but it appears more realistic than ever.
"Being here talking to people around league circles, it is obvious that there is an expectation that the Eagles will want to move on from him, or that A.J. will want to be elsewhere."
Eagles reporter hints that A.J. Brown trade rumors might be real
While the whole league is pushing for a trade, there needs to be an understanding that there is a financial component to this. It appears that if Brown is traded after June 1, the Eagles could save $7 million, but that doesn't change the dead cap, which is still over $70 million.
Unless there is a deal made to help the Eagles financially, trading Brown would be financially crippling for the team and leave them with little to work with in the offseason. Philly has more to think about than just making the public and Brown happy with a trade.
The Eagles have to think about the future and the number of contract extensions they need to give to young stars on the team. Guys like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell, and more need big contracts to stay on the team. Not to mention, they are trying to find $17 million a year to keep Jaelan Phillips from signing elsewhere in free agency.
There's also the compensation piece to the puzzle, as the Eagles need to get a good draft pick for Brown. Philly missed their window for a first-round pick last season, so if they don't get a second-round pick, the Eagles shouldn't make that deal, no matter what.
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The general public can put the Brown trade narrative all they want; it may be real, but it's not as simple as just calling for the trade. It's more complicated than that.