For the past couple of months, the New England Patriots and A.J. Brown have been tangled up in countless rumors, articles and analyses.
The disgruntled Philadelphia Eagles star might prefer a reunion with head coach Mike Vrabel after years of not feeling comfortable in the City of Brotherly Love. However, as much as this potential transaction has been the NFL’s worst-kept secret for quite a while now, it seems like it’s not as imminent as it sounds.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, both parties have yet to agree on the potential framework of this deal.
The Patriots may not be close to trading for A.J. Brown
“I just don’t know that it’s like snap your fingers and the deal is done,” Rapoport said on NFL Network.
Per Rapoport, the Eagles are still trying to get a first-round pick for their star pass-catcher, a steep price the Patriots might not be willing to meet.
“The two sides are where they had been, which is the Eagles wanting a first-round pick in 2027. The Patriots, the most likely destination — we’ll see if someone else arises — not being willing to give up a first-round pick as of right now. That means they’re not particularly close, and there’s a chance this could drag on for the foreseeable future,” he added.
Brown is one of the best wide receivers in the game, though it’s unlikely that any team would be willing to part ways with a first-round pick to get him. He’s dealt with injuries and had problems with both teams he’s played for, not to mention that the 2027 NFL Draft class promises to be one of the most stacked in years.
More than that, the fact that he’s gone on the record to talk about his discontent with his role can only hurt his trade value. The Eagles created a logjam at the position by adding Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks and Marquise Brown, and that also ultimately drives Brown’s value down; everybody in the league can tell they’re preparing to lose him. Ultimately, they may have no choice but to lower their asking price, as Brown’s situation has become too much of a distraction.
