Patriots' potential trade package for Eagles' A.J. Brown revealed by insider originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
At this point, it would be shocking if A.J. Brown started the 2026-27 season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Earlier in the offseason, it appeared as though trade rumors involving Brown and the AFC Championship-winning New England Patriots were pure speculation.
However, in late April, it seems the only thing unclear is when a deal will occur. While many believe that the Patriots, or any other franchise in the mix, must send a first-round pick to Philadelphia to acquire Brown, NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Rueben Frank believes that they could pull off a blockbuster deal without having to break the bank.
"I still think Howie Roseman wants to trade A.J. Brown, but I’m starting to get the sense he won’t be getting a 1st-round pick in return,” Frank wrote Sunday.
“First-round picks are the lifeblood of any franchise’s future, and when you make an honest assessment of where Brown is right now as a football player, are you going to give up a 1st-round pick and an opportunity to add a 22- or 23-year-old player with his whole career in front of him on a rookie deal for A.J.?”
“I think maybe not. So the question becomes, is Howie willing to unload Brown and move on for maybe 2nd- and 4th-round picks in 2027? Probably.”
Frank’s hypothetical trade concept would be a massive victory for the Patriots. In addition to adding a dynamic go-to receiver with Super Bowl experience, New England would avoid surrendering draft capital that could be beneficial in the foreseeable future (a first-round pick).
Will the Eagles do everything in their power to acquire a first-round draft selection from the Patriots and refrain from getting fleeced? Absolutely, but it’s also possible that the two-time Super Bowl champions will eventually give up on their chase and accept a second and first-round pick for Brown.
Either way, it’s become clear that Brown won’t be an Eagle for much longer.
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