The New England Patriots are in the market for a wide receiver upgrade this spring, and if they're eyeing a trade, Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown stands out as a prime candidate.
Brown, 28, had a challenging season in Philadelphia, expressing frustration with his role in the Eagles' offense, even calling it a "s--tshow" during a live stream. The tension was evident during the playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, where Brown had a couple of crucial drops and a heated exchange with head coach Nick Sirianni.
Despite being a three-time Pro Bowler, Brown's numbers have been on a downward trend for three consecutive years. Last season, he caught 78 of 121 targets, racking up 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns over 15 games. While the Eagles' offensive inconsistencies might share some blame, Brown also dealt with a persistent hamstring injury that seemed to rob him of his usual explosiveness.
If Brown were to join New England, he'd likely become quarterback Drake Maye's top target. But the big question is whether he's worth the significant investment.
NBC Sports Boston's Patriots insider Phil Perry weighed in, suggesting the price might be too steep. "If the Eagles want a first-round pick for A.J. Brown, that's too much for a player who's still a big financial commitment and seems a step slower," Perry noted.
He added that a change of scenery might rejuvenate Brown. "With a coach he likes and a top-tier quarterback, Brown could rediscover his spark. But right now, even with his production, a first-round pick seems excessive."
Financially, an A.J. Brown trade poses challenges for the Eagles too.
Trading him before June 1 would result in a daunting $40 million dead money cap hit. Post-June 1, the figure is more manageable, but by then, the Patriots will likely have made significant moves to bolster their receiving corps.
Given these complexities, a trade for Brown seems unlikely. The Patriots can't afford to wait until June to address their receiver needs.
Fortunately, New England has other appealing options this offseason. Free agents like Alec Pierce, Mike Evans, and Jauan Jennings are available, and trade prospects such as Brian Thomas Jr. and Jordan Addison could be on the table.
With NFL free agency kicking off on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET, the Patriots have plenty of opportunities to enhance their roster without the complications of an A.J. Brown trade.