The 2026 NFL offseason is buzzing with rumors, and at the center of it all is the potential trade of Eagles' star wide receiver AJ Brown to the New England Patriots. This speculation has taken on a life of its own, especially after photos surfaced of Brown working out with Kevin Byard III, the Patriots' latest free agent signing. Naturally, this fueled the fire, leading many to believe a deal was in the works.
However, NFL insider Adam Schefter recently poured cold water on these rumors during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. Schefter clarified that, despite the chatter, there’s no handshake agreement between the Patriots and Eagles to bring Brown to New England. It’s a reality check for Patriots fans who were eagerly anticipating a blockbuster move.
"A lot of people have connected the Patriots to AJ Brown and that's a logical landing spot... There's no handshake agreement between the two sides," Schefter stated, making it clear that the rumors might be more smoke than fire.
While this might not be the news Patriots fans were hoping for, it’s a reminder of the complexities and secrecy often involved in NFL trades. Even though a handshake deal might not be happening, these kinds of backdoor negotiations aren't unheard of in the league.
The truth of the matter will remain hidden until any official trade announcement, which, if it happens, is likely to be after June 1. This date is significant because it allows the Eagles to manage their salary cap more effectively by trading Brown.
For now, fans of both teams will need to exercise patience as the saga unfolds. If the trade doesn’t materialize, it will raise questions about Brown’s role in Philadelphia and what the Patriots’ plan is for bolstering their receiving corps. With only Romeo Doubs added in free agency and possibly a new draft pick, the Patriots’ offense might not be getting the upgrades it desperately needs, particularly for quarterback Drake Maye.
As the offseason progresses, this situation will continue to be a hot topic, with fans and analysts alike debating what could or should happen. Until then, the wait continues, and the NFL rumor mill keeps turning.