Statistically, A.J. Brown has delivered steady production this season for the Philadelphia Eagles — 29 receptions, 395 yards, and three scores in seven appearances — but it falls below the All-Pro pace he’s established in previous years.
Even though the Eagles sit at 6-2 and atop the NFC East division coming out of their Week 9 bye, Brown is on pace to finish the season with roughly 66 receptions, 903 yards, and seven touchdowns, which would be his lowest yardage total since 2021.
He’s also previously voiced his frustration with his lack of involvement in the offense in recent weeks.
All of this, combined with potential roster needs and outside interest, has produced recurring trade rumors, even as Philly has reportedly insisted they have no interest in moving Brown.
Yet, with the NFL trade deadline fast approaching (4 p.m. ET on Tuesday), it’s now or never if teams want to make a move for the three-time Pro Bowler.
Amidst all of this, the Eagles went ahead and signed former third-round pick Danny Gray to the practice squad on Tuesday and released guard Sua Opeta to clear a spot.
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Gray entered the NFL out of SMU after a productive senior year (49 catches, 803 yards, nine TDs) and was picked 105th overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
He appeared in 13 games for the 49ers in 2022, catching just one pass on seven targets for 10 yards in limited offensive snaps, before being placed on injured reserve ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
Gray was then waived by San Francisco on Aug. 27, 2024, before signing with the Eagles’ practice squad on Sept. 10, winning a Super Bowl title with the franchise last season.
Brown and DeVonta Smith remain the Eagles’ top two receivers (for the time being), with Jahan Dotson, Darius Cooper, Xavier Gipson, and now potentially Gray all sitting behind them as depth pieces.
Ultimately, the signing is not a blockbuster, as contending teams regularly use the practice squad to hedge against minor injuries, preserve play-calling flexibility, and audition inexpensive talent.
Plus, given Gray’s familiarity with the organization, he can be elevated immediately if injuries or the matchup require it, making it a high-value, low-risk depth add.
Still, with trade speculation around Brown showing no signs of fading, the timing of this move certainly raises eyebrows.
