The A.J. Brown trade saga continues to linger, but there’s still optimism around the New England Patriots acquiring the star wide receiver before the 2026 season.
MassLive’s Karen Guregian updated the status of trade talks between the Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles for Brown. While a deal remains possible, it may not be imminent.
“The Patriots and Eagles are engaged in a staring contest,” Guregian said. “While the expectation is they’ll eventually come to terms on a deal, whether it’s in the coming weeks, or after June 1, which is preferred by the Eagles for monetary reasons, it’s also possible another team will swoop in.”
The hot stove has caught fire around Brown, who has exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in each of his four seasons with the Eagles. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that the Eagles aren’t looking to trade him at the moment, but they may reconsider later this offseason.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio called a Brown trade “inevitable” last week, and a source identified the Patriots as a potential landing spot. The defending champions remain the most speculated destination for the 28-year-old even after signing Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract.
Reports have indicated the Eagles want a first-round pick and more for Brown. Guregian noted that it could be harder for the Patriots to drive down that asking price after the Denver Broncos gave the Miami Dolphins a first, third and fourth in next month’s draft for Jaylen Waddle.
If the Patriots don’t trade for Brown, Guregian wrote that they can “move all their chips in on Doubs” as a No. 1 wide receiver and hope Kyle Williams takes a second-year leap. They also have 11 picks in the 2026 draft, and it doesn’t appear they’ll trade any for Brown.
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