A.J. Brown makes major Eagles decision as Patriots trade rumors heat up

A report from Monday morning reiterated that the Philadelphia Eagles trading wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots later this offseason "is still the likely outcome" for a saga that has hovered over the Eagles seemingly for years. 

Later in the day, a new development suggested that Brown knows he has played his final meaningful snap as a member of the Eagles. 

Divorce involving Eagles, A.J. Brown may have already begun

According to NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, Brown is not expected to attend the start of the Eagles' offseason workout program on Monday "as he awaits clarity on his future." Per ESPN, the Eagles' mandatory minicamp is not scheduled to get underway until June 9. Brown may have a new NFL home by then, as Philadelphia trading him to New England or a different team could become official after June 1 for reasons related to the salary cap.

Brown signed a three-year contract extension in April 2024, but he didn't hide that he was frustrated with aspects of the Philadelphia offense throughout the past two seasons. Additionally, reports have indicated that he and quarterback Jalen Hurts may both welcome the former being traded before training-camp practices get underway.

Hurts signed a five-year contract extension reportedly worth up to $255M with $179.3M guaranteed in the spring of 2023, and he isn't going anywhere this offseason. 

Will the Patriots give a new A.J. Brown hint during the draft? 

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter hinted on Monday that "another team could always emerge" as a landing spot for Brown before the morning of June 1 arrives. Additionally, the Patriots could decide that they won't match Eagles general manager Howie Roseman's asking price for Brown and instead select a pass-catcher in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night. 

Roseman reportedly would "rather not do a deal than complete a bad one" regarding Brown. That said, Schefter mentioned that the Patriots could send a combination of draft picks for 2027 and 2028 to the Eagles for the wideout. 

Roseman may want a first-round choice and a second-round selection in return for Brown, but it seems the Patriots haven't yet agreed to give up those assets for the 28-year-old who has somewhat of a concerning history of knee problems.