Could Patriots still trade for Eagles' A.J. Brown after agreeing to sign Romeo Doubs?

Throughout the winter, stories have repeatedly linked the New England Patriots with Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown amid rumors suggesting that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman could trade Brown before the 2026 season gets underway. 

However, those stories surfaced before it was learned on Tuesday that the Patriots and wide receiver Romeo Doubs had agreed to a four-year, $80M contract. That development left some wondering if the Patriots would not look to make another major move for a pass-catcher. 

It seems that's not necessarily the case. 

Patriots still open to big A.J. Brown move?

According to Patriots reporters Karen Guregian and Mark Daniels of MassLive, New England hasn't "folded up the tent on the pursuit of Brown." 

"Of course, if the Philadelphia Eagles don’t relax their demands and continue to insist on a reported 2027 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick for their top receiver, it might not matter," Guregian and Daniels added. 

A recent update indicated the Patriots had some leverage regarding a potential trade for Brown because they appeared to be the only club on his supposed wish list of landing spots "really in on the idea of trading for the 28-year-old three-time All-Pro." The Patriots need a new WR1 after they decided to part ways with veteran Stefon Diggs, and Brown is close with New England head coach Mike Vrabel.

Vrabel was Brown's head coach when the two were with the Tennessee Titans from 2019-21.

Why Patriots may be remaining patient regarding a trade for A.J. Brown

Previous reports mentioned that the Eagles could wait until June 1 to officially complete a Brown-related trade for reasons related to the salary cap. 

"After the Patriots signed Doubs, they could theoretically approach the Eagles about a post-June 1 deal for Brown," Guregian and Daniels explained. "That scenario would ease Philadelphia’s financial burden and still give the Patriots a Pro Bowl receiver." 

Retired receiver and current NFL Network analyst Steve Smith is among those who think the Patriots don't need to give up two high-value draft picks for Brown. For what it's worth, Patriots icon Rob Gronkowski made it known on Tuesday that he doesn't agree with Smith's assessment now that Alec Pierce and Mike Evans are off the market.