Austin Konenski
The New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles are finalizing a big trade involving wide receiver A.J. Brown, as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The Patriots are sending a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Eagles for Brown. It is a major, but long-expected move that finally gives New England the WR1 it has been pursuing for years.
Below, we dive into the winners and losers from the Brown trade between the Patriots and Eagles!
Winner: A.J. Brown
Brown is a massive winner in this deal. The superstar wide receiver had grown disgruntled in Philadelphia and wanted a change of scenery. New England was one of his preferred destinations. Now, Brown joins his favorite childhood NFL organization and will catch passes from Drake Maye, as the Patriots look to return to the Super Bowl.
Loser: Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are losers in this trade. While acquiring a 2028 first-round pick is solid for a disgruntled asset, Brown is an NFL superstar that elevates an offense. The 28-year-old wide receiver was a major piece of the Eagles’ passing attack. Even though Philadelphia has made several additions to its wide receiver room, it won’t be able to replace Brown’s production.
Winner: Drake Maye
Maye is another massive winner in this blockbuster NFL trade. The star New England quarterback didn’t have a true WR1 en route to the 2026 Super Bowl, and Brown will give him an elite presence in the wide receiver room. Maye is looking to rebound after a tough NFL playoffs, and a connection with Brown will take him to a new level.
Loser: Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts will have to move forward without Brown in Philadelphia. Hurts has Devonta Smith as his top wide receiver, but losing the 28-year-old star is going to be tough for the Eagles’ offense. Brown has been a consistent elite threat for the quarterback since he joined the Eagles in 2022. Now, Hurts will have to spread the ball to other receivers.
Winner: New England Patriots
The Patriots are undoubtedly the winners of this Brown trade over the Eagles. Over the offseason, New England had a clear hole at wide receiver after signing Romeo Doubs and releasing Stefon Diggs. Brown will instantly become the best wide receiver in the AFC East, and should have an amazing connection with Maye. The Patriots gave up a first-round pick, but it will be worth it once the season starts in September.
