Buffalo Plus Podcast

Episode: Should the Bills Take a Big Swing and Trade for AJ Brown!?

Date: February 26, 2026
Host(s): Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes
Special Guest: Zach Berman (The Athletic, Eagles beat writer)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the Buffalo Bills’ potential pursuit of star wide receiver A.J. Brown via trade, amid swirling rumors at the NFL Combine. The hosts debate the merits and challenges of swinging big for an elite receiver like Brown, the "diva" perception of top receivers, and what it might cost to land him. Special insight is provided by Eagles insider Zach Berman, who offers a firsthand perspective on Brown’s strengths, locker room presence, and the realities of his situation in Philadelphia. The show also touches on combine observations and additional wide receiver options for the Bills.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NFL Combine Atmosphere and Early Impressions

(00:32 – 06:52)

• Jenna, Mike, and Dan share updates from Indianapolis, including lighthearted banter about height, combine logistics, and player interviews.
• Notable combine story: Jacob Rodriguez, a Texas Tech linebacker and top defensive prospect who models his game after Bills’ Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard, is praised for both his journey and fit with Buffalo’s style.
  • Quote:
    “He said he could play Will, Sam…off the ball. Like, he said he could do it all. So, he would be awesome. I think just the story alone…” – Dan Fetes (04:46)
• The hosts stress how combine week is more than just drills – it’s about networking, gathering league intel, and assessing personalities.

2. Early Thoughts on Wide Receiver Needs

(05:37 – 07:32)

• Recognition that wide receiver is a major priority for the Bills, with the combine providing some early clues but interviews still to come.
• Dan notes the importance of blending tape study with face-to-face prospect interactions.

3. Interview: Zach Berman on A.J. Brown

(08:37 – 16:24)

What’s it like covering A.J. Brown?

• “He is interesting…he’s thoughtful. He’s not just giving generic responses. He’s emotional sometimes, but I like that about him…Then as a football player…he is the best wide receiver I’ve ever covered.” – Zach Berman (09:00)
• Praised for his Hall of Fame trajectory, physicality, and rare ability to “be open even when he doesn’t appear open.”

Did Brown have a down year?

• Berman concedes that 2023 wasn’t Brown’s best: some “uncharacteristic drops,” timing issues, and less dominance than in 2022.
  • Quote:
    “I don’t think this was A.J. Brown’s best season, but I think A.J. Brown at the season he had is still better than anything I saw in the Buffalo Bills uniform.” – Zach Berman (10:17)

Fit with Josh Allen and Buffalo Offense

• Brown could immediately be an unquestioned WR1 for the Bills, bringing YAC skills, physicality, and the ability to make plays when covered.

Diva Perception Addressed

• “I don’t view it that way, honestly. He’s respected in the locker room… He’s an emotional wide receiver and… could wear those emotions on his sleeve. But I don’t think he is a diva…” – Zach Berman (11:45)

On Brown Publicly Pressuring the Offense

• Berman defends Brown’s outspokenness:
  • “As long as what you’re saying is true—and I think what he was saying is true—they needed the change…he proved clairvoyant…” (12:27)
  • Playoff drop acknowledged as a contributing mistake, but not the root of the Eagles’ issues.

Trade Compensation Estimate

• Trade would take “substantial compensation”—most likely a late first-round pick or more, especially if multiple contenders are bidding (13:21).
• “If New England’s in play and Buffalo’s in play…that’s advantageous for the Eagles.” (13:55)

Chance Brown Stays in Philly

• Berman treats it as a toss-up: “I’m going like 50/50, honestly.” (14:27)
• Cap issues can be handled, but Eagles would need a clear replacement plan, given Brown’s integral role.

Would Brown Want Buffalo?

• “He wants to be the best receiver in the NFL and he wants to win. And Buffalo is a place where that could happen…given Josh Allen’s talent, given Joe Brady’s experience…AJ Brown could flourish…” (15:33)

4. Reactions & Roundtable Analysis

(16:27 – 25:49)

Perception Shift After Berman’s Interview

• Jenna: Initially skeptical (“absolutely not…like, you don’t want another headache in Buffalo”), but Berman’s insight made her “warm up” to the idea of trading for Brown (17:13).
• Dan: Noted that national narrative (social media, headlines) can exaggerate or misrepresent player personalities. Berman’s nuanced view was persuasive:
  • “I felt like Zach gave us the perspective of diving in…I’ve only seen the clips…the headlines…” (18:38)
• Mike: Emphasizes the complexity of such a move—cap hit for the Eagles makes the price high; Philly may want to “try to make it work,” feeling less like a sure trade than rumors suggest (19:39).

Diggs Comparison & Locker Room Fit

• Noted similarities between Brown-Hurts and Diggs-Allen dynamics—both strong, then seemingly strained.
• Cautions about “vibes” in the Bills’ locker room with Josh Allen—team culture matters (23:23).

Is Brown the Bills’ “Big Fish”?

• The group leans toward the Patriots as a more likely trade partner for Brown.
• Skepticism that Brown is the “ideal vibes fit” for Buffalo, despite his talent (25:14, Jenna).

What Would it Take?

• Likely a first-round pick in the mid-to-late 20s (Buffalo holds 26 this year), given Philly’s dead cap implications (25:49).

5. Additional WR Options & Draft Philosophy

(25:49 – 28:09)

• Names floated: Mike Evans, Romeo Doubs, Alec Pierce, DJ Moore, Michael Pittman (25:49).
• The group supports a “double-dip” approach—swinging for a veteran via trade/free agency AND using a first-round pick at WR (26:52).
  • Jenna: “Wide receivers are like money. You can never have too many.” (27:44)
• General agreement that Buffalo’s WR room needs major investment, regardless of which avenue(s) pursued.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On A.J. Brown’s Reputation:
  “He’s respected in the locker room. He practices hard, cares about his teammates…emotional wide receiver…but I don’t think he is a diva.”
  – Zach Berman (11:45)

• Difference-Making Ability:
  “He can turn a ten-yard reception into a forty-yard gain”
  – Zach Berman (11:03)

• Price Tag:
  “It’s usually a seller’s market more than it is a buyer’s market. I would imagine a late first-round pick.”
  – Zach Berman (13:03)

• Chances of Trade:
  “I’m going like 50/50, honestly…because I still think if he wants to play in Philly, I think he’ll be in Philly.”
  – Zach Berman (14:27)

• Jenna’s Change of Heart:
  “Before, I’d be like, absolutely not…after listening to Zach Berman’s interview…maybe it’s not a bad thing to have a guy say, you know what, we need to do this better on offense…”
  – Jenna Cottrell (17:13)

• Dan on Perceptions:
  “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it…sometimes that has come across as…that’s where I think the thought that Brown is a diva is because of what’s been said. But Berman, I think helped sway me…”
  – Dan Fetes (21:40)

• Jenna on WR as Priority:
  “Wide receivers are like money. You can never have too many. Like in my opinion go after someone because you have Josh Allen…”
  – Jenna Cottrell (27:44)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Jacob Rodriguez & Combine Musings – 02:11–04:46
• Wide Receiver Needs & Matt Harmon Segment Tease – 06:52–07:32
• Zach Berman Interview (A.J. Brown Deep Dive) – 08:37–16:24
• Post-Interview Roundtable & Vibes Discussion – 16:27–25:49
• Alternate WR Targets/Philosophy – 25:49–28:09

Overall Tone and Takeaways

The episode blends informative analysis with the Buffalo Plus team’s trademark camaraderie and humor. The addition of Zach Berman’s segment injects expertise and valuable nuance around A.J. Brown—dispelling some popular narratives while acknowledging his complexities. The hosts remain circumspect: while the “big swing” for Brown is alluring and seems increasingly palatable after Berman’s defense, logistical and cultural hurdles remain. The smart money is on Buffalo attacking the WR position—possibly even aggressively—but perhaps not via the A.J. Brown blockbuster.

The discussion offers essential context for fans following Bills offseason moves, emphasizing the need to weigh both on-field impact and behind-the-scenes fit.

For Further Discussion

• Would you part with a first-rounder (or more) for A.J. Brown?
• Is a WR1 acquisition essential for the Bills’ Super Bowl window, or can they “double dip” with more measured moves?
• How much do you value locker room “fit” compared to sheer talent at receiver?

(Share your thoughts in the comments, as the hosts encourage near the close!)