Through the first two weeks of the 2023 NFL season, Philadelphia Eagles WR A.J. Brown has 11 receptions for 108 yards and no scores.
What kind of trade value does Brown have in fantasy football leagues after his slow start to the year? Let’s take a closer look.
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Should Fantasy Football Managers Trade A.J. Brown?
The general strategy when trying to trade assets is to buy low and sell high. Unfortunately, if you are frustrated with Brown’s disappointing 21.8 fantasy points — an average of 10.9 points per game — in PPR leagues through two games, then you’re looking at the prospect of selling him on the lower end of his value.
Brown is an elite-level talent in a high-powered offense who averaged 17.6 ppg in PPR formats last season.
In fact, Brown nearly saved his Week 2 fantasy performance with a 25-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter that was called back due to a holding call.
Jalen Hurts had AJ Brown for a touchdown but a holding call on Rashaad Penny brought it back 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/FZtd3itnbO
— DIE-HARD 🦅 Fans (@Eaglesfans9) September 15, 2023
Unfortunately, this is just the brutal nature of fantasy football sometimes. This play cost him 9.5 fantasy points in PPR formats, which would undoubtedly help his potential trade market, but it should encourage those who think better days are ahead for Brown.
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Even though this touchdown connection feels like an encouraging sign for Brown shareholders, it’s slightly concerning to see him and quarterback Jalen Hurts have a slightly heated discussion on the sideline where Brown appeared a bit frustrated or upset about something.
aj brown looked pissed at jalen hurts 😳
pic.twitter.com/xUJdCIpldx— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) September 15, 2023
Now, I’m not going to read too much into a heated discussion in the middle of a game. These types of interactions aren’t uncommon on NFL sidelines, but it’s certainly worth monitoring if Brown’s production/involvement in the offense causes any more frustration in the coming weeks.
Personally, I’m more on the side of trying to acquire Brown in a good buy-low window than trying to trade him off of a 6.9-fantasy performance against a weak secondary.
Always keep your options open, but unless you’re packaging Brown for an elite player or still getting market WR1-type value in return for dealing him, I tend to think he’s a better hold candidate for the time being. I believe better days are ahead.
What Should Fantasy Managers Look to Acquire When Trading Brown?
First off, if you aren’t using the PFN Trade Analyzer, then you need to start right now. I run every redraft and dynasty trade offer through the tool to gauge the market and get some ideas for buying or selling specific fantasy assets.
Again, I’d really prefer to sell Brown after a big week, but if you can get a pair of buy-low candidates you like — guys like Tee Higgins and James Cook together — then I would be open to moving Brown.
On the flip side, if you’re out on Brown and want to sell him because of his top-shelf big-name recognition, then I would look to acquire an elite piece like Christian McCaffrey, Tony Pollard, or Tyreek Hill if packaging Brown together in a deal to ship him off your squad.