AJ Brown: Eagles give wide receiver a record contract extension. How they can afford it

The Eagles opened the NFL draft Thursday night not with a pick, but by signing wide receiver A.J. Brown to a three-year extension that will take him through 2029.

ESPN reported that Brown's deal is worth as much as $96 million and begins in 2027 after his current four-year deal worth as much as $100 million expires. Brown's average annual value of $32 million would make him the highest-paid receiver in the NFL − for now.

Brown, of course, has lived up to his deal so far after the Eagles acquired him in a draft-day deal in 2022. In his first two seasons, Brown had 1,496 yards receiving, beating the old franchise record that Mike Quick set in 1983 with 1,409. Brown followed that up with 1,456 yards last season.

Brown's signing comes just a few weeks after the Eagles gave DeVonta Smith a three-year extension worth as much as $75 million. Smith's deal starts in 2026 and runs through 2028. It comes days after the Lions signed Amon-Ra St. Brown to the previous record of $30 million in average value.

By extending Brown, the Eagles will be able to lower his salary cap hit in 2026, which currently was going to count $41 million.

Still, the Eagles have their top two receivers, and two of the best in the NFL, under contract through at least 2028.

Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on X @Mfranknfl.