Eagles reporter thinks Patriots could get WR A.J. Brown for this price

This past weekend, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggested that he left the NFL Scouting Combine convinced that the New England Patriots are "a logical destination" for A.J. Brown if Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman ultimately decides to trade the mercurial wide receiver. 

During the latest edition of the "Next Pats Podcast," Eagles reporter Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia discussed what it could cost the Patriots to land Brown's services this offseason. 

Would Patriots pay "high price" to acquire A.J. Brown?

"I think, especially with the Patriots, you look at that No. 31 overall pick," Zangaro said about New England's top asset for this year's draft, per Nick Goss of NBC Sports Boston. "I don't think that's a crazy price. It's a high price. You might be thinking the Eagles don't have any leverage if people know the player is frustrated, but I also think there are other teams that could get in that mix. Maybe a second-round pick would do it, but I don't think the Patriots' second-round pick would do it. There's a really big difference between high in the second round and late."

Numerous reporters have linked the Patriots with Brown for multiple reasons. New England has a need at the position, and Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was Brown's head coach from the 2019 draft up until the Tennessee Titans traded Brown to the Eagles in April 2022. Those two seem to still have a good relationship, but it's worth noting that Brown hasn't yet gone public with a trade request this offseason. 

Eagles "aren't going to be in a rush" to make final A.J. Brown decision?

The Eagles reportedly want "at least" a first-round draft pick and maybe also a second-round choice for Brown. Zangaro indicated Roseman will stay patient if teams fail to match the Eagles' asking price for the 28-year-old. 

"The Eagles aren't going to be in a rush to trade him," Zangaro added about Brown. "If the compensation isn't what they need it to be, I think they'll hold on to him until it is, or they can figure this out. I don't think they'll need to rush at it."

Previous reports noted the Eagles may not trade Brown before June 1 for reasons related to the salary cap. Thus, Roseman may have plenty of time to listen to trade offers before making a final decision about the receiver's future.