Austin Konenski
The New England Patriots need a star wide receiver, and A.J. Brown continues to be the most logical fit. The Philadelphia Eagles are incentivized to trade Brown after June 1 due to cap reasons, while New England will gladly wait. So, what is the latest update on Brown’s potential trade to the Patriots?
Brown is still expected to be traded to the Patriots in June, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Get Up. Schefter said the Eagles’ superstar is still tracking to join New England, despite the issues happening with head coach Mike Vrabel.
With a trade very likely, what should the Patriots send to the Eagles for Brown in June?
What the New England Patriots should trade for A.J. Brown
Brown to New England is one of the NFL’s worst-kept secrets, and a trade should be coming within the next three weeks. The Eagles have loaded up their wide receiver room in anticipation of a deal. Meanwhile, the Patriots haven’t added much outside of replacing Stefon Diggs with Romeo Doubs.
The 28-year-old wide receiver will likely command a 2028 first-round pick and more. Therefore, New England should trade its 2028 first-round pick and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte to Philadelphia. If the Eagles don’t want Boutte, the Patriots should include a third or fourth-round pick instead.
Brown would replace Boutte in New England’s offense, so the latter won’t be a fit moving forward. Even if the Eagles don’t trade for the 24-year-old wide receiver, he will likely be on the move before the 2026-27 NFL season. Although it wouldn’t hurt for Philadelphia to acquire Boutte in a trade for Brown.
The Eagles had high demands for Brown in March, and while the Patriots likely won’t meet them, the organization should receive plenty of value. Losing Brown would be a massive loss to Philadelphia’s offense, but this seems like the best development for both sides.
As for the Patriots, all they have to do is wait until June to acquire Brown.
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