Austin Konenski
The New England Patriots had a strong start to the 2026 NFL offseason. The Patriots signed wide receiver Romeo Doubs, safety Kevin Byard, left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, linebacker Dre’Mont Jones, and more. However, many expected New England to land an elite wide receiver. It is not out of the picture yet.
Several people who work for different NFL teams believe Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown will be traded to the Patriots this offseason, as reported by Mike Giardi on NBC Sports Boston. The NFL insider also believes Brown to New England will “eventually” get done as the 2026 NFL offseason progresses.
Giardi floated the possibility of a second-round pick and fourth-round pick completing the deal. Philadelphia doesn’t have any invectives to trade the 28-year-old superstar wide receiver until after June 1 due to the cap implications. If Brown is moved before June 1, the Eagles will take on a $43.5 million dead cap. A post-June 1 trade reduces this to $16.4 million.
The Patriots have Doubs as Drake Maye‘s top wide receiver, but their pursuit of Brown won’t end. New England actually has a little bit of leverage after signing the former Green Bay Packers wide receiver, since the organization isn’t truly desperate for Brown. The Patriots still appear to be the favorites, but they can wait until June 1 to complete a deal now.
New England could trade for Brown with a reduced price after June 1. However, there are no guarantees that Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman lowers his demands of a first-round pick and a second-round pick. The Eagles don’t have to trade their superstar wide receiver ahead of the 2026-27 NFL season.
There will be plenty of rumors flying around regarding Brown and the Patriots in the coming weeks. A trade isn’t imminent, and the waiting game for June 1 has begun.
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