The 2026 NFL Draft starts April 23 in Pittsburgh, which means the football world is already well past the point of pre-draft rumors, wild speculation and smokescreens. Seemingly disgruntled Philadelphia Eagles wideout A.J. Brown once again became part of the kindling Monday, when ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that a trade of the three-time Pro Bowler "to the Patriots is still the likely outcome."It's really not big news.

This has been the expected outcome for some time. More importantly, it's also not going to happen during the draft − a key consideration that could change the calculus for a potential Brown departure down the line.And while there could certainly be some deals before or after the Las Vegas Raiders officially go on the clock Thursday night − could the New York Giants engineer another significant swap, maybe involving Kayvon Thibodeaux, for instance? − here are three reasons Philly EVP/GM Howie Roseman's company line, "A.J. Brown is an Eagle," will almost certainly be in effect on the other side of the weekend:JARRETT BELL: Aggressive trade market?

Let GMs explain | Opinion1. The salary cap implications of an A.J. Brown tradeIt's probably the primary reason it hasn't happened yet despite Brown's frayed relationship with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.

In a nutshell, dealing Brown will incur a $43.5 million dead money charge onto Philadelphia's salary cap − an additional $20 million would hit this year − given he remains under contract through the 2029 season. But by simply waiting to move Brown after June 1, that cap charge can be spread into the 2027 league year − and the Eagles would even save $7 million this year. Per Over the Cap, Philly currently has about $32 million in cap space this year − but Roseman still has to pay his draft class, and an executive known for trading during the spring, draft and deadline would need a buffer to potentially take on more salary in the future.2.

What would A.J. Brown trade compensation look like?Probably not great when framed with this year's draft capital. Brown will turn 29 before the season, but Philly could not easily replace him with a similar caliber player from this draft − whether it be another receiver or from any position.

The 2026 draft is widely viewed to be light on elite prospects. And while wideout may be one of its best and deepest positions, there's likely no one in the bunch who is Brown adjacent.Roseman has already begun laying the groundwork for an AJB succession plan, acquiring (and extending) wideout Dontayvion Wicks from the Green Bay Packers earlier this month. But NFL Network reported during free agency that Roseman had been attempting to devise a creative trade package around Brown, one that would presumably allow for the transaction to not only happen after June 1 but also bring the Eagles draft capital in 2027, which is perceived to be loaded with high-end talent.Now, by simply waiting, Roseman will, by definition, get to wait until June 1 and get the '27 picks he would surely prefer.MOCK DRAFT AFTER DEXTER LAWRENCE DEAL: What it might mean for Giants, first round3.

A.J. Brown's market could expand by waiting to trade himThe New England Patriots are widely viewed as Brown's eventual landing spot − not only because they need a WR1, but Brown played for head coach Mike Vrabel and Tennessee, and their close bond remains in place.But a lot can happen in six weeks, and the Eagles' options could expand and potentially generate the kind of bidding war any club would prefer when trying to move an asset. Players can get hurt during offseason activities.

A contending team may not have the wideout room it wanted once the draft fallout has settled. And it would hardly be unheard of for a team to draft a wideout in a lofty position before belatedly realizing he's not ready to contribute in 2026 − or maybe not even ever at a level that had been anticipated.Bottom line, there's very little incentive, barring an unexpected haul that includes future capital, for Roseman not to simply ride this situation and let the market come to him. Heck, if he doesn't get the terms he likes shortly after June 1, this whole thing could drag out much longer with little immediate downside for the Eagles ... though Brown might feel just a touch differently.All NFL news on and off the field.

Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why A.J. Brown trade to Patriots during NFL draft won't happen