Report reveals Patriots' stance on A.J. Brown trade

The New England Patriots are looking to make an upgrade at the wide receiver position this offseason, and many view A.J. Brown as a logical trade target for the defending AFC champions. However, it sounds like the Philadelphia Eagles would have to alter their expectations in order for a deal to come together.

Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reported on Saturday that the Patriots have explored the possibility of trading for Brown. New England's front office views the Eagles' asking price as "unserious," however.

The belief around the NFL reportedly is that there is a legitimate chance Brown will be traded. Many have predicted that any potential compensation package for Philadelphia would be similar to the second-round draft pick and seventh-round pick the Seattle Seahawks received last offseason when they traded star wideout DK Metcalf and a sixth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A.J. Brown has an obvious connection to Patriots

Brown played for Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel for three seasons when Vrabel was the head coach of the Tennessee Titans. The two have maintained a good relationship, and Brown became a star under Vrabel. While Vrabel was still the coach in Tennessee when Brown was traded to the Eagles in 2022, there has been no indication that there is any bad blood between the two.

Brown has also spoken openly about how he grew up a Patriots fan. Though he is from Mississippi, Brown is a huge Tom Brady fan and has confirmed in multiple interviews that the Patriots were his favorite team before he became an NFL player.

Eagles may need to lower their asking price

There have been several reports that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has attached what rival teams view as an unrealistic asking price to Brown. That is likely strategic on the part of the executive, with some believing Philadelphia could lower the price and look to move Brown in the coming weeks.

Brown has been openly frustrated with his role in the Eagles' offense, but he still had 78 catches for 1,003 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. Brown has had 1,000-plus receiving yards in six of his seven NFL seasons. His production has fallen off a bit over the last two years, but he has continued to produce in a run-heavy offense.

The thought of catching passes from NFL MVP finalist Drake Maye might appeal to Brown, but the asking price could ultimately determine whether or not the Pro Bowl receiver winds up in New England.