Patriots' Kevin Byard sends clear message to Eagles' A.J. Brown amid trade rumors

Numerous reports and rumors have indicated that it is a matter of when and not if Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman will trade wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots.

Former Eagles safety Kevin Byard signed with the Patriots this past March. During a recent appearance on CBS Sports HQ's "The Offseason Playbook" program, Byard sent quite a message to an old friend. 

Kevin Byard is recruiting A.J. Brown to push for a trade from the Eagles to the Patriots

"A.J. Brown, come on to New England, buddy," Byard said, per Cayden Steele of NJ Advance Media and John Breech of CBS Sports. 

Both Byard and Brown had New England's Mike Vrabel as a head coach while with the Tennessee Titans. Byard also shared a locker room with Brown as a member of the Eagles during the 2023 season, and the two work out together during the offseason.

"I played with A.J. for three years in Tennessee, half a year in Philly. He's a dog," Byard said about Brown. "He's a great teammate. I've literally watched him grow as a player and a person."

Kevin Byard believes A.J. Brown can help the Patriots achieve the ultimate goal

The Eagles almost certainly won't trade Brown before June 1 for reasons related to the salary cap, and Roseman may prefer to "not do a deal than complete" what he feels is a bad trade for the Eagles. Roseman reportedly wants a first-round draft pick and a second-round choice for Brown, but NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated thinks Roseman may have to accept "a 2028 first-round pick or a conditional 2027 second-rounder that could become a first-rounder if Brown hits playing time benchmarks."

Meanwhile, a Patriots team that lost the Super Bowl this past February has a need at receiver. Byard thinks adding Brown could help New England do more than just return to the big game in February 2027.

"Would love to get the gang back together and try to help us win a Super Bowl," Byard added about Brown. "He’s a phenomenal player. And I think it’s just one of those deals. Obviously down year last year, whatever it may be. But I’ve seen the work that he’s putting in this offseason. A.J. is ready to go. So I’m hoping that it kind of works out."