Eagles legend Nick Foles says A.J. Brown wants this amid trade, Patriots rumors

A new story linking Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown with the New England Patriots seemingly pops up just about every day ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

This one can be blamed on Eagles legend and Super Bowl LII Most Valuable Player Nick Foles. 

Yet another sign that Eagles, A.J. Brown are preparing to break up

"What I have gathered is (he) wants to be traded," Foles said on the latest edition of the podcast he co-hosts while speaking about Brown, per Cayden Steele of NJ Advance Media. "But I also think he wants to be traded to specific places. I think New England would make a lot of sense because of his history with [Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel]. I think that’s obvious. I think he even said he grew up a Patriots fan if I’m correct. So that would be a twofold situation."

Foles' update is hardly surprising for several reasons. Recent reports indicated that the Eagles and Brown basically have an understanding that he will be traded after June 1, when such a move won't negatively impact Philadelphia's salary-cap situation. Former Eagles safety Kevin Byard signed with the Patriots this past March and has since actively recruited Brown to join him in New England and play under Vrabel. 

Byard and Brown had Vrabel as a head coach when the three were with the Tennessee Titans. The two players were teammates with the Eagles during the 2023 season, and they remain offseason workout partners.

Nick Foles gives Eagles some A.J. Brown advice

Back in February, Eagles icon and current ESPN personality Jason Kelce touched upon how "frustrating" it was to see Brown seemingly "not go all out" during certain games this past season. While Kelce later warned that "the Eagles and fans will end up regretting it" if the team trades Brown, Foles is among those who think a breakup is imminent. 

"I think at this point you do it," Foles responded when asked if the Eagles should trade Brown. "But that’s tough for me. What came to my mind right there is, I think A.J. Brown is an incredible wide receiver. But, but, but, there were several times last year where I saw him throttle in on routes or not thinking the ball was going to go his way. And that was the difference in a completion and not (a completion)." 

The Eagles allegedly believe they don't need to find a like-for-like Brown replacement during this year's draft. Whether or not Brown will receive a supposed desired move to the Patriots in June shall be seen.