Could A.J. Brown Be New England Bound? What It Might Take to Land the Star Receiver
A.J. Brown is one of the most physically dominant wide receivers in the NFL - and now, it looks like he could be on the move. After two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, including a Super Bowl LIX title in 2025 and another 1,000-yard campaign last year, Brown’s future in Philly is suddenly uncertain.
Despite the Eagles having $20.5 million in cap space heading into 2026, league insiders are increasingly convinced that Philadelphia is open to trading the 28-year-old wideout. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, executives around the league believe the Eagles are at least willing to listen to offers. And based on how things ended last season - with Brown visibly frustrated on the sidelines and questions swirling about his happiness - this situation feels like it's heading toward a breaking point.
So, where does New England come in?
Let’s start with the facts. Brown has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in six of his seven NFL seasons.
He’s big, physical, and explosive after the catch - the kind of receiver who can change the dynamic of an offense the moment he steps on the field. He’s also the sixth-highest paid receiver in the league, earning an average of $32 million per year.
That’s a hefty number, but for a player of Brown’s caliber, it’s the going rate.
Now, let’s talk Patriots. New England started Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Kayshon Boutte at wideout last season.
Diggs, still a top-tier route technician, put up 1,013 yards in 2025. But Hollins and Boutte, while serviceable, haven’t shown they can consistently produce at a high level.
Both are under contract through 2026, but neither is locked in long-term.
Enter A.J. Brown.
For a Patriots team looking to build around young quarterback Drake Maye, adding another elite receiver could be a game-changer. Pairing Brown with Diggs would give Maye two 1,000-yard targets - a luxury most rookie QBs can only dream about.
It would also open up the offense in ways we haven’t seen in New England in years. Suddenly, defenses can’t double Diggs without leaving Brown one-on-one.
And vice versa.
But what would it take to get him?
That’s the million-dollar question - or, more accurately, the $32 million question. Brown’s contract is significant, and any team trading for him would need to absorb a sizable cap hit. But the Patriots have flexibility, and if they believe Maye is their franchise guy, surrounding him with elite weapons is a logical next step in his development.
The Eagles, for their part, have a chance to move Brown while his value is still sky-high. He’s still in his prime, still producing, and still viewed as one of the league’s most dangerous receivers. If they’re looking to reset financially or retool their roster, this is the window to do it.
So, is this a realistic move for the Patriots? Absolutely.
The fit makes sense, the need is there, and the opportunity might not come around again. If New England wants to take a serious step forward in 2026, picking up the phone about A.J.
Brown should be on their offseason to-do list.
Because when you’ve got a young quarterback and a chance to give him a weapon like Brown, you don’t hesitate - you make the call.