Jason Burgos
A new report offers a potential backup plan for the New England Patriots if they don’t make a trade for AJ Brown this offseason.
The Patriots and their fans are still licking their wounds after a magical season ended with a decisive loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. However, New England has the chance to be even better than the team that won the AFC Championship in January.
Unlike most elite teams, the Patriots head into the offseason with the 10th most available cap space ($42.6 million) in the NFL, according to Over the Cap. The Patriots don’t have positions they desperately need to improve. However, MVP candidate Drake Maye deserves more weapons around him next season.
That is why the organization is expected to be in the wide receiver market, and Philadelphia Eagles star AJ Brown is one player that’s been linked to the team in recent days. On Friday, The Athletic Patriots insider Chad Graff offered an intriguing update on the Browns trade rumors.
Firstly, Stefon Diggs is set to make $26.5 million next season and has a $6 million guarantee if he is on the roster to begin the new league year. That is why, “Given that contract, one league source expects the Patriots to cut Diggs unless they’re able to dramatically lower his cap hit with a reworked contract,” Graff reports.
Patriots expected to target Brown trade if they cut Diggs
If Diggs is cut, Graff claims that sources informed him that the Pats will then be active in trying to make a trade for the three-time Pro Bowler Brown. However, “It seems doubtful New England would give up its first-round pick for Brown, who turns 29 this summer,” Graff claimed they would only do a deal at “the right price.”
One other interesting nugget the Patriots insider added is that the team is expected to pursue an upgrade at tight end in free agency as well. According to Graff, Baltimore Ravens veteran Isaiah Likely is a player they “would be interested in.” But he also noted it would need to be at the right price.
Brown is sure to have many suitors on the trade market if the Eagles start taking offers. If they can’t land him, pivoting to a high-upside 25-year-old such as Likely could be part of their plan. Especially if they can hold on to Diggs at a lower rate after he posted over 1,000 yards receiving last season.
