Patriots-Cowboys trade pitch sends $27 million superstar WR to New England instead of A.J. Brown

Oct 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) reacts after a catch against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

For many New England Patriots fans, failing to witness A.J. Brown taking his talents from the NFC East (Philadelphia Eagles) to the AFC East would make New England’s offseason a colossal failure. 

The Patriots released 1,000-yard receiving star Stefon Diggs in March, and signing former Green Bay Packers wideout Romeo Doubs to fill the void isn’t good enough. Surprisingly, though, Heavy’s Dave Holcomb thinks that acquiring a 25-year-old Cowboys star instead of Brown is an idea that shouldn’t immediately get dismissed.

“Although there has been some recent doubt, more than likely, the New England Patriots will acquire wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles,” Holcomb wrote Friday. “But until it happens, exploring other alternatives is a fun exercise.”

“If the Patriots wanted to do the same, they could make an offer for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens. Today, Heavy Sports will do that for them. We propose the Patriots send their 2027 first-rounder and 2028 third-round picks to the Cowboys for Pickens.”

Let’s be clear: the Cowboys are opposed to trading Pickens after convincing him to sign his one-year, $27 million franchise tender. In an ideal world, Pickens would follow up his remarkable 1,429-yard and nine-touchdown 2025-26 campaign with another impactful receiving season in Dallas and eventually earn a long-term deal. 

That said, could a first-round pick and multiple third-round selections from the Patriots cause them to change their tune? It’s unlikely, but it’s undoubtedly a respectable offer that the franchise would probably be tempted to bite on. 

If they do, the Patriots would land an evolving, fluid route-running WR who would instantly become the organization’s go-to receiving option. 

Still, the Patriots would be better off banking on Brown.

More NFL: 

• Steelers-Browns trade pitch sends $4 million Pro Bowl QB, Aaron Rodgers replacement to Pittsburgh

• Cowboys predicted to cut ties with George Pickens in favor of declining $10 million Bills WR

• Eagles named top landing spot for former Cowboys $21 million starter