Patriots report from Adam Schefter reveals what New England is expected to trade to Eagles for A.J. Brown

The New England Patriots are widely expected to acquire wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in the summer.

However, a deal still needs to come together, including the compensation Philadelphia will be receiving in return for the former All-Pro receiver.

Though the Patriots and Eagles still have some time to figure out what a trade involving Brown will look like, we may have just learned what the deal will be from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Adam Schefter believes Patriots will trade future first-round pick to Eagles for Brown

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, Schefter reiterated once again that Brown will be traded to New England, and the well-respected NFL insider added that he believes Philadelphia will get a first-round pick in return, possibly in 2028.

"I expect that this trade will come together in June 1st," Schefter said. "It’s not gonna be hard to get done. The Eagles are open to moving him, the Patriots want him, and I believe in the end it will involve a future first-round draft pick. My guess is 2028 — one in 2028. But, let’s see what the two sides finally figure out there in the end."

Though Brown is coming off a down year in 2025, the Ole Miss product is still one of the best receivers in football, and a future Round 1 selection should be his value on the trade market.

Why Brown fits with Patriots

The Patriots cut their leading receiver from 2025 in Stefon Diggs, and though the franchise signed Romeo Doubs in free agency, the offense still lacks reliable pass catchers for quarterback Drake Maye.

Brown would fix that issue. The 28-year-old has posted five straight 1,000-yard seasons and also snagged 32 touchdowns over the last four years. The three-time Pro Bowler would also form an electric duo with Doubs, who is much better suited as a No. 2 receiver anyway.

Replacing Diggs with Brown would be an upgrade for New England across the board, as Brown is younger, more productive, and is a bona fide top receiving target who can play and excel from anywhere on the field.