The New England Patriots have set their sights on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown. After the first day of NFL free agency, the Patriots have yet to sign a wide receiver to replace Stefon Diggs. The wide receiver room is very empty; However, an NFL insider gave a big update on the Browns and Patriots trade rumors.
The trade destination list for the Browns "begins and ends with the Patriots," as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter on the Pat McAfee Show. The 28-year-old wide receiver has been linked to several other NFL teams, like the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers, but it appears it's New England or bust.
Brown is a perfect fit for the Patriots, serving as Drake Mays' top target in the New England offense. The Eagles and Patriots have been in talks over a potential trade for Brown for the past few weeks, but nothing has come to fruition yet.
The Patriots need Brown and the Eagles wouldn't be in the discussion if they didn't want to trade him. Philadelphia's high asking price has been a stumbling block in trade talks, as the organization wants a first-round pick and a second-round pick for the superstar wide receiver.
Several trade packages have been mentioned, but the Patriots and Eagles need to find a middle ground soon.
Potential trade package from AJ Brown to the New England Patriots
Both sides need to find a middle ground to make a trade for the Browns happen. The Bills recently traded for wide receiver DJ Moore and a fifth-round pick from the Chicago Bears, sending a second-round pick in exchange. The trade impacted the market, further emphasizing the Eagles' high asking price for Brown.
The Patriots should offer the 31st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 third-round pick to Brown. The Eagles are likely more inclined to acquire New England's 2027 first-round pick, as many believe next year's NFL Draft is deeper. If so, the Patriots could send a 2027 first-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick to the Eagles.
New England should not offer more than two selections. There is no need to involve any other selection or player. The Patriots may have lost some gains after wide receiver Alec Pierce re-signed with the Indianapolis Colts, but it's clear Brown is the top priority. Perhaps, New England could use a potential trade for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to swing a little leverage in their favor.
Either way, closing a deal is best for everyone involved. Whether it's sooner rather than later or after June 1 when the cap hit won't be as bad for Philadelphia, both sides need to figure out the best path forward. The Patriots are in hot pursuit of Brown, and the Eagles need to move on from the play that is hurting the organization.
Hopefully, trade talks between the Patriots and Eagles move forward quickly, or the rumors regarding Brown won't end any time soon.
Read more: New England Patriots should make AJ Brown trade a top priority
