The New England Patriots are entering the offseason with a rare combination of optimism and opportunity. After a strong campaign led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the franchise finds itself in a position to build around its young signal-caller - and that starts with adding more firepower to the offense.
One name generating buzz as a potential target? A.J. Brown.
The Philadelphia Eagles wideout may be on the radar in Foxborough, and there’s some smoke to this potential fire. ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently floated the idea that New England could be a real landing spot for Brown - especially with new head coach Mike Vrabel now in the fold.
“I can see Brown playing in New England next year under head coach Mike Vrabel,” Schefter said during an appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic’s Unfiltered with Ricky Bo & Bill Colarulo. “That would make a lot of sense to me.”
There’s history here. Brown and Vrabel go back to their days in Tennessee, where the two spent three seasons together before the Titans sent Brown to Philadelphia during the 2022 NFL Draft. That connection could be a key factor if Brown becomes available.
Now 28, Brown has had a bit of an up-and-down tenure with the Eagles. He’s been a major contributor to one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, helping Philadelphia reach the Super Bowl twice - including last season’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
But this year was a bit more uneven. Brown still put up solid numbers - 78 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns - but by his standards, that’s a step back from the elite production we’ve seen in the past.
Still, there’s no question about his talent. Brown is one of the most physically dominant receivers in the league - a true No. 1 option who can win at every level of the field. For a young quarterback like Maye, having a receiver like Brown would be a game-changer.
If the Eagles decide to test the trade market, the Patriots should absolutely be in the mix. They’ve got the cap space, the draft capital, and, perhaps most importantly, a clear need. Pairing Maye with a proven veteran like Brown wouldn’t just accelerate the quarterback’s development - it could reshape the entire identity of the Patriots’ offense.
We’re still a long way from anything concrete, but the idea of Brown reuniting with Vrabel - this time in New England - is one worth watching.