Patriots Benefit from Latest A.J. Brown Trade Rumors

The New England Patriots may have found their new star receiver, after all.

Since mid-February, the Pats and the Philadelphia Eagles have been embroiled in trade rumors surrounding a potential deal for three-time second-team All Pro receiver A.J. Brown. While such speculation has yet to materialize, one major sports outlet is reporting that Brown’s arrival in New England appears to be a forgone conclusion — at least, according to some of the NFL’s top administrators.

Per a recent report from The Athletic, several league executives expect the Eagles to trade Brown to the Patriots after June 1.

"Execs expect the Patriots to acquire receiver A.J. Brown from Philadelphia in June, once the salary-cap implications become more tenable for the Eagles," wrote The Athletic’s Mike Sando. "It seems just a matter of waiting until June 1 passes for Philly to trade A.J. Brown, who in my opinion is a declining player each of the last three seasons," per a NFL executive speaking to Sando on the condition of anonymity.

Adding a player of Brown’s ability would help to transform the Patriots passing offense, while providing quarterback Drake Maye with the type of deep, big-play weapon to instill fear in opposing defenses for the foreseeable future.

As expected, New England’s interest in Brown’s services remains high. The three-time All-Pro has topped 1,000 receiving yards in six of his seven NFL seasons. The Super Bowl LIX champion finished the 2025 season with 78 receptions for 1,003 yards. Given his impressive on-field resume, Brown has builds a deserved reputation as one of the league’s top outside receivers. 

In that regard, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is wisely being protective with the thought of parting with his team’s most potent offensive weapon. In fact, recent reports indicate that the Patsmay be the only serious remaining suitors for Brown’s services. Still, recent remarks from Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni indicate that a trade does not appear to be imminent.

If the Eagles were to trade Brown before June 1, they would take a $43.4 million dead cap hit — what most pundits consider to be an unacceptable price to pay for dealing Brown before this month’s draft. Should the Eagles wait to deal the three-time Pro Bowler until after June 1, their dead cap hit would drop to a more palatable $16.35 million. The Patriots, on the other hand, have $35.4 million in cap space available, and could easily accommodate the $23.4 million cap hit they would take by acquiring Brown.

Of course, New England would not only be surrendering financial capital to add Brown to their stable of pass-catchers. Philadelphia’s reported asking price for their prime offensive asset includes multiple draft picks, centered around a first-rounder. Should the Pats and Eagles choose to make a deal in early June, the compensation package would mostly consist of 2027 selections — a draft considered to be rich in talent at several key positions.

Might A.J. Brown be Coming ‘Home’ to Rejuvenate in New England?