It appears that the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles are destined to end up trading AJ Brown. New England is likely to acquire Brown after June 1, after Philadelphia traded up in the 2026 NFL Draft to select wide receiver Makai Lemon. In fact, an NFL insider has revealed a major update on a potential trade package.
ESPN's Adam Schefter believes the Patriots will send a future first-round pick to Brown, as did Insider on the Pat McAfee Show. Schefter projected it would be a 2028 first-round pick, meaning the Patriots will keep their first-round pick for a stacked 2027 NFL Draft class.
New England Patriots' potential trade package for AJ Brown
It would be shocking if the Patriots and Eagles don't make a deal for Brown. Philadelphia has loaded up on wide receivers while New England has the only additional member in the room in Romeo Doubs. While Dobbs projects to play a key role in the Patriots' offense, the team did not add a wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft. So, what might a trade package look like now?
The Patriots could send a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick to acquire Brown. While wide receiver Keyshawn Boutte has been a popular add to trade packages, the Eagles don't need to replace a superstar receiver. Instead, both organizations can focus on draft capital.
This may not be the exact package Philadelphia gets, as any third- or fourth-round selection between 2027 and 2028 would make sense. However, if the Patriots send a 2028 first-round pick, it makes the rest of the trade package easier. After all, Brown is worth a first-round pick and the 2028 NFL Draft is two years away.
If New England ultimately voids the deal, Brown will join Dobbs, Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas and Elton Chism in the wide receiver room. This is a big upgrade heading into the 2025-26 NFL season, as Stefon Diggs took over as the Patriots' WR1. In this scenario, Diggs would be the replacement as the WR2 behind Brown in New England.
The Patriots and Eagles will likely have to wait another month, but a Browns trade should come closer.
READ MORE: New England Patriots trade rumors: NFL officials expected to transfer AJ Brown
