Matt Johnson
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has been the subject of NFL trade rumors for months, with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs recently linked to a potential deal. With an expected move drawing closer, there is a favorite leading the pack.
On the latest episode of The Adam Schefter Podcast, ESPN’s NFL insider said he remains confident that the Eagles will trade Brown “around June 1st” in a deal with the Patriots.
The NFL rumors in recent weeks suggesting Jacksonville could flip wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to Philadelphia have largely been refuted. For the Jaguars, there remains a belief that Thomas can rebound and return to being the player who put up 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie.
As for the Chiefs, it’s a rarity for general manager Brett Veach to move premium draft capital for a veteran player at a non-premium position. While Kansas City is believed to be in the market for pass-catching help this summer, that move is likelier to come via NFL free agency.
That leaves the Patriots as the most viable landing spot for Brown. He already has a great relationship with head coach Mike Vrabel from their time together with the Tennessee Titans. Furthermore, New England is in the market for a No. 1 receiver, and Brown has been their target all offseason.
Schefter does note, however, that there may still be some disagreement between the two clubs over the acquisition cost. Philadelphia reportedly wants a 2027 first-round pick, whereas New England prefers to move a first-round pick in the 2028 NFL Draft.
The two sides still have plenty of time to figure out a deal, and the league-wide expectation remains that Brown will be playing for the Patriots in Week 1. Once he is acquired, the club could then look to move receiver Kayshon Boutte, while free-agent signing Romeo Doubs takes over as the No. 2 receiver.
