If A.J. Brown is truly on the trade block, the New England Patriots have every reason to pick up the phone.
Brown, who’s been with the Philadelphia Eagles since 2022, is coming off another 1,000-yard season-his sixth such campaign in a row. He helped Philly win Super Bowl LIX just last year, and even though he cleared the 1,000-yard mark again in 2025, signs are pointing to a potential split. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, league executives believe the Eagles are open to trading the 28-year-old wideout, citing Brown’s visible frustration throughout the season and a growing sense that something’s got to give.
Let’s be clear: Brown is still performing at a high level. He’s one of the most physically dominant receivers in the league, and with an average annual salary of $32 million, he’s also the sixth-highest paid at his position.
That price tag, combined with his production, makes him a premium asset-but also a complex one to move. The Eagles, who have $20.5 million in cap space to work with this offseason, may see this as the right time to explore a deal while his value remains strong.
So what does this mean for New England?
The Patriots are in the midst of a rebuild, but they’ve already taken a significant step forward by handing the keys to rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Surrounding a young QB with reliable weapons is the blueprint for success, and Brown would be a massive addition to that equation.
Last season, the Patriots rolled out Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Kayshon Boutte as their primary receivers. Diggs did what he’s done for most of his career-he crossed the 1,000-yard threshold with 1,013 yards.
But Hollins and Boutte, while serviceable, don’t bring the same level of explosiveness or consistency. Both are under contract through 2026, but neither has proven to be a long-term No. 2 option.
That’s where Brown comes in.
Pairing him with Diggs would immediately give Maye one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the league. Two proven 1,000-yard threats on the outside would open up the offense in a big way, taking pressure off the rookie quarterback and forcing defenses to pick their poison. It’s the kind of move that could accelerate the Patriots’ rebuild and give them a legitimate chance to compete in a crowded AFC.
Of course, there are hurdles. Brown’s contract isn’t small, and any team trading for him would need to absorb a significant cap hit.
But New England has the financial flexibility to make it work, and more importantly, they have the need. A move like this would signal that the Patriots are serious about building around Maye and giving him the tools to succeed early in his career.
Bottom line: If the Eagles are truly listening to offers, the Patriots should be among the first in line. A.J. Brown doesn’t just fill a need-he could redefine what this offense looks like in 2026 and beyond.