The Tennessee Titans are at a familiar crossroads: needing a true number one wide receiver for a passing offense that has ranked near the bottom of the league. For years, the franchise has tried to move forward without revisiting the decision that altered its trajectory by trading A.J. Brown. Now, with reports suggesting Brown could emerge as a potential trade candidate this offseason, the door to a reunion is no longer imaginary.
It’s real, and it’s worth serious consideration as trading their former star wideout nearly four years ago has coincided with their four-year streak of losing seasons. The timing lines up as the Titans have cap flexibility, a young quarterback who needs a true No. 1 weapon, and an offense still searching for a defining piece. Few players in the league check all those boxes for the franchise like Brown once did.
Bringing Brown back wouldn’t just upgrade the wide receiver room. It would immediately stabilize the offense and give Cam Ward the boost the Philadelphia Eagles once did when they initially traded for Brown to pair with a young Jalen Hurts.
Why trading for A.J. Brown would fit the Titans’ rebuild timeline
At 28 years old, Brown is still an elite receiver in the NFL. His presence changes coverage rules, creates space for other pass-catchers, and gives quarterbacks margin for error. Despite what was considered a down season for him, he surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth consecutive season. For a Titans offense that has struggled with separation, explosive plays, and consistency, Brown would solve problems that can’t be fixed by scheme alone.
Brown was on his way to becoming the best receiver in the history of the Titans' franchise before a contract dispute led to their separation in 2022. That old regime is gone, and the new regime is preparing a winning team for the opening of the new stadium in 2027. It also feels likely that his tenure with the Eagles is coming to an end.
He’s also still squarely in his prime, making him a rare opportunity to acquire a proven star who aligns with a multi-year window. Unlike a rookie, Brown brings certainty, which is something rebuilding teams often lack. The Titans can afford the cost, both financially and in draft capital, especially if the alternative is hoping a mid-round pick becomes what Brown already is. A reunion wouldn’t erase the past, but it could finally allow Tennessee to move forward with purpose.