Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has found himself at the center of this offseason's NFL trade buzz. A key part of the chatter links him to a team he’s had a soft spot for since childhood.
Brown recently shared how he became a New England Patriots fan while growing up in Mississippi. “When I was younger, my older cousin, I wanted to do everything like him, and he was a big Patriot fan," Brown explained on the "Dudes on Dudes" podcast.
"It's that simple. There's nothing complex about it.
And so he was a Patriots fan. I was a Patriot fan, and it just went from there.”
The speculation around Brown’s potential move stems from reports of a strained relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts and some frustration with the Eagles' offensive performance. One intriguing rumor suggests the Patriots might offer draft picks to bring Brown into their fold, aiming to bolster their receiving corps.
Brown's familiarity with New England coach Mike Vrabel, from their time together with the Tennessee Titans, adds an interesting twist to the narrative. However, the financial implications, including salary-cap issues and the dead cap hit Philadelphia would incur, complicate matters.
Other teams like the Broncos and Steelers are also mentioned as possible destinations, though the Eagles' front office has been quick to downplay these trade rumors.
Philadelphia has reaffirmed their commitment to keeping A.J. Brown in the lineup, as noted by NFL analyst Derrick Gunn.
“The Eagles want A.J. Brown in an Eagles uniform in 2026,” Gunn emphasized during an appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic.
Gunn also touched on Brown’s visible frustration during the 2025 season. “He wears his emotions on his sleeves,” Gunn said.
“He was frustrated not just about his own targets but with the overall inconsistency of the offense. Everyone handles their emotions differently, and for A.J., that sometimes meant letting his frustrations show.
Despite this, A.J. has always wanted to be here. He just wanted the offense to mirror the success it had in 2024.”
Backing this up, NFL insider Adam Schefter suggested that Brown is keen to remain with the Eagles. The situation remains fluid, but the Eagles seem intent on keeping their star wideout right where he is.