The only explanation for why the Titans are trading AJ Brown to the Eagles
The 2022 NFL Draft has been full of surprises but the biggest surprise is easily the decision by the Tennessee Titans to trade star wide receiver AJ Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles for the No. 18 overall pick. Tennessee has spent several weeks pledging to keep Brown, who has one year remaining on his contract, […]
The 2022 NFL Draft has been full of surprises but the biggest surprise is easily the decision by the Tennessee Titans to trade star wide receiver AJ Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles for the No. 18 overall pick.
Tennessee has spent several weeks pledging to keep Brown, who has one year remaining on his contract, in Nashville. But that won't be the case as Brown will be reunited with his good friend, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, in Philly.
While this move is surprising, it shouldn't come as a total shock.
The Titans' decision to trade Brown comes after two blockbuster trades involving wide receivers seeking new contracts earlier this offseason — Davante Adams to the Raiders and Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins.
I have no doubt that Tennessee preferred to keep Brown in Nashville. But here's why this trade probably happened: Brown is the one with the leverage. Just like the other wide receivers who were traded earlier this offseason.
The Packers wanted to keep Adams. But he wanted to go to the Raiders to play with Derek Carr, his college teammate, and close friend. So he was dealt.
This is essentially the same situation.
Brown wanted a new contract (which he's getting with the Eagles, reportedly a four-year deal worth $100 million) and he wanted to play with Hurts. He basically decided that he wasn't going to sign an extension with the Titans. That meant the Titans had no choice but to trade him while his value is high and get a good return.
It's not an ideal move for the Titans, but they had to make the best of a tough situation.
Featured image via USA TODAY Sports
