Andrew Buller-Russ
Teams have been busy addressing their biggest weaknesses this offseason. That includes the New England Patriots. Despite making a Super Bowl appearance in 2025, the Patriots have already added several players on both sides of the ball. But they may not be done.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Patriots are “still in” on a potential A.J. Brown trade this offseason. The Los Angeles Rams are another team that was linked to Brown, and they even reportedly considered trading Davante Adams to do so.
However, Rapoport indicates that the Rams are no longer pursuing the three-time Pro Bowl wideout. That may leave the Patriots as the lone suitor, though things can always change.
“A.J. Brown’s situation I would say at various times over the last three days, it looked like one thing was definitely gonna happen, and then it was clear something else was going to happen. There were various points where I really firmly believed Brown was going to be traded. There were four teams that were interested that Brown would really like to go to. In the end, probably two. The Rams were one and they looked into it deeply. Ultimately decided it was not for them. They are as far as I can tell, out on the situation. The Patriots, who have consistent dialogue with the Eagles and Brown. They are still in.”
Ian Rapoport on A.J. Brown trade
Rapoport indicates that Brown’s contract is part of the issue. If traded now, the Eagles would be hit with $40 million in dead money that they can’t use this season. Meanwhile, if they wait until after June 1, they’d be hit with only $20 million in dead cap charges. However, it also means that if he’s traded for draft picks, the Eagles wouldn’t get their return until 2027 since June takes place after the 2026 NFL Draft.
While that situation may not be ideal for the Eagles, it still offers them a path to move on from Brown while still getting a strong return, even if it’s not perfect.
Related: New England Patriots Open To A.J. Brown Trade
