AJ Brown made headlines regularly during the 2025 NFL season, more off of the field than on the stat sheet. From cryptic social media posts to on-field sideline tension with coaching staff, Brown’s offseason has turned into one of the most intriguing subplot sagas in the league.
NFL Rumors: Where Will AJ Brown End Up In 2026?
With trade chatter picking up and oddsmakers placing a handful of teams atop the list of his potential destinations, we take a look at the most likely destinations for the embattled wide receiver:
Baltimore Ravens (+300)
One of the issues for Lamar Jackson over the years has been the lack of receiving weapons that surround him in Baltimore’s offense. It has been Zay Flowers who has led the Ravens in receiving yards in each of the last three seasons, and it has long been clear that an upgrade is needed if the former MVP covets a true no.1 wide receiver.
With the Ravens headed for a new regime (their head coaching search is currently being conducted), this could finally be the year that the team goes after a true top-flight WR. The team’s offensive identity has been based in the running game in recent seasons, and they ranked dead last in the NFL in overall pass attempts in 2025. Enter AJ Brown.
New England Patriots (+400)
Trailing slightly behind the Ravens are the New England Patriots, pegged at +400. Much of this interest stems from the connection between Brown and head coach Mike Vrabel, dating back to their time together when Vrabel coached in Tennessee. NFL insiders like Adam Schefter have floated the idea that New England could be Brown’s landing spot if a trade materializes, noting both the strategic fit as well as the player/coach connection.
The Patriots and Drake Maye would instantly transform their aerial attack with Brown on board. New England’s roster construction and cap situation make big splash moves possible this offseason, and adding Brown would signal a win-now approach to capitalize on their rapid improvement in 2025.
Buffalo Bills (+500)
There may not be a team in the NFL more hungry for a top-flight wide receiver than the Buffalo Bills. Since the departure of Stefon Diggs two years ago, the team has struggled to find a clear no.1 wideout, as draft picks and free agent signings have failed to produce expected results. Josh Allen has made it work, of course, but adding someone of AJ Brown’s caliber is likely a priority for the team this offseason.
The team currently has five wide receivers scheduled to be on their payroll in 2026. Khalil Shakir has the best rapport with Allen, though he amassed just 719 yards in 2025 (the highest total on the team). The rest of the bunch includes Keon Coleman, Josh Palmer, Curtis Samuel, and Tyrell Shavers, only one of whom caught more than 22 passes during the entirety of the regular season (Coleman, 38).
