The New England Patriots appear to be closing in on one of the biggest moves of the offseason, with three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown expected to land in Foxborough after June 1. And one of the team's newest additions—who knows Brown better than most—can't help but get excited about the possibility.
Kevin Byard, the veteran safety who signed with the Patriots this offseason, spent three seasons as Brown's teammate with the Tennessee Titans. When asked about the swirling trade rumors, Byard offered a measured but telling response.
"Honestly, I try to stay out of that part of the business," Byard told reporters on Tuesday, per 98.5 The Sports Hub's Alex Barth. "But I hope he can come here and play with us. If we're able to get AJ, obviously he's an incredible talent. He's a true No. 1 receiver in this league."
Byard and Brown even worked out together this offseason, and the safety recalled Brown being "unstoppable" during their Titans practices—a memory that still stands out years later.
The Patriots have already reshaped their receiver room this offseason, moving on from Stefon Diggs and signing Romeo Doubs. While Doubs has flashed No. 1 potential, he's never truly carried that mantle in the NFL. Brown, on the other hand, has been a dominant force for virtually his entire career and played a key role in leading a team to a championship.
The reunion would also bring back a familiar face in head coach Mike Vrabel, who coached both Byard and Brown in Tennessee. While nothing is official yet, the signs are hard to ignore. The Patriots didn't draft a single wide receiver in April, while the Eagles—Brown's current team—traded for Dontayvion Wicks and used a first-round pick on Makai Lemon. That's not the kind of investment you make if you're planning to keep your star receiver.
Perhaps the most telling detail? Reports have surfaced that Brown has been inquiring about condos in Boston's Seaport District this week. Add in the fact that Brown grew up a Patriots fan and shares a strong bond with Vrabel, and the picture becomes crystal clear. The pieces are falling into place for Brown to join his childhood team—and reunite with a familiar face in the secondary.