The buzz around AJ Brown potentially joining the New England Patriots as their next star receiver has reignited, and it's easy to see why. The Patriots are still in need of a boost in their receiving corps, and a trade for Brown could be the perfect solution.
Most trade scenarios have suggested that the Patriots would need to offer a hefty package, particularly in terms of draft picks, to entice the Eagles. However, a recent proposal by CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan suggests otherwise, offering a more feasible path to securing Brown.
This proposal would certainly excite Patriots fans, especially with uncertainties surrounding Stefon Diggs' future and the need to provide quarterback Drake Maye with top-tier talent. If the Eagles were open to this deal, the Patriots would have every reason to pursue it.
In the realm of trade possibilities, the Patriots are seen as a strong contender, second only to the Bills, to land Brown. Having Brown's former head coach at the helm in New England could provide a slight advantage over their divisional rival.
Sullivan's suggestion involves a less costly draft package than others have proposed. If Philadelphia is willing to accept it, the Patriots should jump at the chance. This scenario would allow New England to retain their first- and second-round picks while giving the Eagles additional selections to maintain their competitive edge.
However, there's a potential snag. If the Bills propose a similar offer, such as their 2026 second-round pick (No. 60 overall) for Brown, it might appeal more to the Eagles. This aligns with recent trends in wide receiver trades, where second-round picks have been pivotal.
The Patriots could counter with their own second-round pick, No. 63, if they truly believe Brown is the key to enhancing their offense. The decision rests on how comfortable Coach Vrabel and the team are with such a move, given their focus on building through the draft and younger talent. Brown doesn't quite fit this mold, but his history with Vrabel might tip the scales.
Financial considerations could complicate matters for the Eagles. If they wait until after the June 1st deadline, the cap implications become more manageable, potentially making a trade more feasible.
Waiting until summer could be beneficial for the Eagles, as teams are often more willing to trade future picks, especially to cover injuries, with various conditions that could elevate the trade's value.
While financial hurdles might stall trade talks, the NFL is known for unexpected moves. Trades once deemed impossible have happened before, and this could be another such instance. The Patriots' dream of landing Brown might not be out of reach after all.