Friday, May 1, 2026

Draft Night Has Been Incredibly Lucrative for A.J. Brown

  • The Eagles gave Brown $84 million guaranteed on Thursday.
  • His last major contract extension came on draft night in 2022.
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

One of the biggest lingering questions in the NFC was answered minutes before the draft on Thursday night.

The Philadelphia Eagles and star receiver A.J. Brown agreed to a three-year extension with $84 million guaranteed on Thursday evening, according to ESPN. It seemingly puts to bed any possibility that the Birds would deal Brown after two spectacularly productive seasons with the team. There had been some rumors that the Eagles could trade Brown during the draft on Thursday.

It was nearly two years to the day the last time Brown got seriously paid. When the Titans traded him to Philly on draft night on April 28, 2022, it was because of a contract dispute. The Eagles immediately agreed to a four-year deal with $57 million guaranteed. That deal made him the fourth highest–paid receiver in the league, and he outplayed that money with 194 catches and 18 touchdowns over his two years in green.

The three-year, $96 million deal with $84 million guaranteed makes him the highest paid wideout in league history, according to NFL Network. The receiver market has been reset in recent days with big deals for Amon-Ra St. Brown and Brown’s teammate Devonta Smith.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dundon Pours Money Into Pickleball As He Cuts Blazers Spending

NBA fans have nicknamed the Blazers owner “El Cheapo.”
The sun rises on the backside as horses work with their riders at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026

Prediction Markets Finally Found a Sport They Can’t Offer

Here’s why you won’t see the Kentucky Derby on Kalshi or Polymarket.
Jan 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Schedule Release Could Make Mike Vrabel NFL’s Punching Bag

Unfortunately for Vrabel, the Patriots face the Chargers in 2026.
exclusive

Mark Cuban Admits He Wanted to Buy Back Mavericks

“That’s just not the game anymore.”

Featured Today

Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
Brendan Sorsby runs with the ball during the Texas Tech football team's spring game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
April 27, 2026

Texas Tech QB Sorsby to Seek Treatment for Gambling Addiction

The NCAA has reportedly opened an investigation into Sorsby’s betting activity.
Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) dribbles against Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center.
April 29, 2026

AJ Dybantsa Has Big NBA Plans. He’ll Chase Them While Wearing Nike

“Around sixth grade, that was my first dunk.”
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
Mar 25, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Elena Rybakina (KAZ) salutes the crowd after her natch against Jessica Pegula (USA) (not pictured) on day nine of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
April 27, 2026

Tennis Star Calls Out ‘Wrong’ Electric Line-Calling System in Madrid

A stomach virus has spread across the Madrid Open.
Sponsored

How Thrivent and Athletes for Hope Are Leading With Purpose

Meet those making a difference as Thrivent and Athletes for Hope spotlight community impact.
Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza speaks to the media at the 2026 NFL Combine.
April 24, 2026

Fernando Mendoza Will Arrive in Unique Raiders Situation

The top pick enters the league with high intrigue and higher expectations.
April 24, 2026

Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws From French Open Due to Wrist Injury

Jannik Sinner would secure a career Grand Slam with a French Open title.