Patriots' potential trade package for Eagles' A.J. Brown revealed by insider

Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) can't make catch during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

At this point, it would be shocking if A.J. Brown started the 2026-27 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Earlier in the offseason, it appeared as though trade rumors involving Brown and the AFC Championship-winning New England Patriots were pure speculation. 

However, in late April, it seems the only thing unclear is when a deal will occur. While many believe that the Patriots, or any other franchise in the mix, must send a first-round pick to Philadelphia to acquire Brown, NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Rueben Frank believes that they could pull off a blockbuster deal without having to break the bank.

"I still think Howie Roseman wants to trade A.J. Brown, but I’m starting to get the sense he won’t be getting a 1st-round pick in return,” Frank wrote Sunday.

“First-round picks are the lifeblood of any franchise’s future, and when you make an honest assessment of where Brown is right now as a football player, are you going to give up a 1st-round pick and an opportunity to add a 22- or 23-year-old player with his whole career in front of him on a rookie deal for A.J.?”

“I think maybe not. So the question becomes, is Howie willing to unload Brown and move on for maybe 2nd- and 4th-round picks in 2027? Probably.”

Frank’s hypothetical trade concept would be a massive victory for the Patriots. In addition to adding a dynamic go-to receiver with Super Bowl experience, New England would avoid surrendering draft capital that could be beneficial in the foreseeable future (a first-round pick).

Will the Eagles do everything in their power to acquire a first-round draft selection from the Patriots and refrain from getting fleeced? Absolutely, but it’s also possible that the two-time Super Bowl champions will eventually give up on their chase and accept a second and first-round pick for Brown.

Either way, it’s become clear that Brown won’t be an Eagle for much longer.

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