Eagles GM Details Reason Behind AJ Brown Deadline Decision
The NFL trade deadline saw a considerable amount of big-ticket moves occur, especially on the East Coast.
The New York Jets traded away defensive tackle, Quinnen Williams and cornerback, Sauce Gardner to the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts, in return for three first round picks and a second rounder over the next two drafts.
The Philadelphia Eagles made their own – albeit far smaller – splash, in acquiring Miami Dolphins‘ former first round edge rusher, Jaelan Phillips, for a third round pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft in April.
However, many believed that the team could make a move the opposite way – as sellers – despite the Eagles currently standing at the very top of not just the NFC East, but the whole NFC Conference with a 6-2 record, given the numerous rumors surrounding the imminent future of wideout, AJ Brown.
The Eagles Chose To Stick With Top Wideout, AJ Brown
Brown has been outspoken about his frustration with Philadelphia’s offensive output, particularly in the passing game – something that dates back to last year’s Super Bowl-winning season.
Instead, general manager Howie Roseman, decided against moving the 3-time All-Pro. And when questioned about the lack of a move for the former Tennessee Titan, the long-time Eagles GM shared his reasoning behind not moving their WR1, as reported by EJ Smith.
“When you’re trying to be a great team, it’s hard to trade great players.” Roseman is quoted as saying on Tuesday, per PHLY Sports’ EJ Smith. “A.J. Brown is a great player. He wears the C for a reason. He’s an important part of this team and this organization. … When you’re a team like ours that’s looking forward to an opportunity to compete for a championship, you just don’t get rid of guys like that.”
Brown ‘Hungry’ For Offense To Reach Its Peak
Indeed, for a player as good as former Ole Miss product, who has been in the rare tier of the elite pass-catchers in the NFL for quite some time now, moving off him represents a big, and potentially unnecessary gamble for an Eagles team that is looking to compete and win in 2026 and beyond.
Another reason – as reported by Josina Anderson – is that whilst Brown has been critical of parts of the offense in the past and earlier this season, it comes from a place of knowing the team is strong and yet wanting both it and himself to fulfill their potentials – rather than feeling he is stuck in a dysfunctional organization.
“As a league source: “AJ Brown is not miserable. He’s hungry.” Anderson posted on X onTuesday in response to reports on Roseman’s post-deadline comments on Brown. “He’s a player that cares about his team and his legacy. He wants to be among the greats. Every player should want that, & continue to strive for that. So of course he’s going to want to feast. That’s the energy that is a difference-maker. You don’t get rid of that.”
Only one Oiler projected to play for Team Canada at 2026 Olympics
Last week marked 100 days until the 2026 Winter Olympics. It’s an extra special one for hockey fans, as the Milano Cortina Games mark the return of NHL players to the marquee tournament for the first time since 2014 in Sochi. It’s also meant an extra important start to the 2025-26 regular season for NHLers hungry to prove themselves worthy of competing on Olympic ice.
On Wednesday, Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin and Steven Ellis took a latest look at which Canadians are primed to make the cut for their country with one month of NHL action in the books. Notable for Edmonton Oilers fans: both Larkin and Ellis have Bouchard not making the team, listing him in their “Toughest cut” section. Based on his play so far, they agree he may not get a look for Team Canada, with management likely to prefer someone like rookie Matthew Schaefer, who has had a strong start to the year
Larkin: I understand that Evan Bouchard didn’t make the 4 Nations team and has played worse this season so far, but I wish he’d get stronger consideration. His all-around game is underrated, the mental errors and highlight-reel blunders seemingly overshadowing all the good things he does, and his shot would be a weapon on the power play.
Ellis: Is Bouchard good enough for best on best competition? Many don’t think so. But if you limit his defensive responsibilities and let him focus on adding a bit of offensive punch if things go south, he can get the job done. If Schaefer doesn’t make the cut, I could see Bouchard being the No. 8 defender they call upon to play on the second power play.
Bouchard has two goals and eight assists through 15 games to start the season. He continues to eat over 23 minutes a night for the Oilers, but hasn’t looked in top form defensively.
Outside of Connor McDavid, who has already been named to the team, no other Oilers are currently listed among Team Canada’s projected roster. Zach Hyman has talked of his desire to play,
