Patriots linked to desperate move in A.J. Brown's absence

The New England Patriots lost their biggest offseason addition in the season opener. 

A.J. Brown suffered an ankle injury and is expected to miss about six weeks.

If Romeo Doubs continues to struggle after a quiet opener and the Patriots' passing game doesn't get going, they might be forced to make a move before the November 10 trade deadline.

According to Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, they could be in the mix to trade for Cleveland Browns veteran Jerry Jeudy.

Patriots linked to potential Jerry Jeudy trade 

"Boston and Concepcion became the focal point of the Browns' passing attack in Week 1, as Jeudy finished with just two catches for 26 yards on four targets. The 2024 Pro Bowler is unlikely to regain his status as a No. 1 target in Cleveland," Knox wrote. 

Knox argued that the Browns would probably give up the 27-year-old for a conditional 2027 fourth-round pick.

That's a reasonable price for a former first-rounder who's still in his physical prime, even if he hasn't necessarily lived up to the expectations.

"Given the injuries we've already seen at the position, Jeudy should have a deadline market if the Browns are reasonable with their asking price," he added. 

That said, and even with a reasonable $1.5 million base salary for 2026, the Patriots might have to be truly desperate to pull this off.

Even if Brown remains sidelined past the deadline, which seems unlikely, Jeudy losing his role to two rookies likely raises some red flags for potentially interested teams.

Perhaps Jeudy just needs a change of scenery, but after watching him fall short of expectations in Denver, too, it looks like the Patriots could do better if they truly want another pass catcher.