Patriots urged to sign ex-Chiefs $54 million history-making WR as A.J. Brown backup plan

Oct 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) makes a catch during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots are all-in on the A.J. Brown offseason sweepstakes. 

All signs point to the Philadelphia Eagles' star wide receiver joining Drake Maye and the Patriots in 2026-27 and beyond, even though a potential deal was likely two months ago. However, there’s always a chance that the Patriots could unexpectedly come up short in their pursuit of the three-time Pro Bowler, forcing them to pivot. 

If that winds up being the case, NESN’s Aaliyan Mohammed believes the NFC East franchise should sign an ex-Kansas City Chiefs history-making WR (he broke the Chiefs’ single-season record for receptions in 2021-22).

“Adam Schefter reported earlier this month that the Patriots are 'likely' to trade for Brown after June 1,” Muhammad wrote Thursday. “The fact that the Philadelphia Eagles drafted a receiver in the first round and the fact that the Patriots did not draft a single receiver add fuel to the fire.”

“However, until Brown is officially traded, there is a chance a different team will make the Eagles a better offer than the Patriots. What should the Patriots do in the off chance that happens?” 

“Well, Tyreek Hill is still available. Hill is an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro. He led the league in receiving yards in 2023, but is coming off a major leg injury. Hill posted 3,509 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns in his first two years in Miami (Dolphins). However, in 2024, Tua Tagovailoa's inability to play consistently and stay healthy hurt Hill's numbers.”

Hill is coming off a devastating ACL injury suffered in Week 4 of the 2025-26 season. The Dolphins elected to waive the former fifth-round pick at the end of the year, allowing him to sign with whomever he pleases in free agency. 

Hill has been linked to a blockbuster reunion with the Chiefs, but it’s unclear if Kansas City is keen on bringing him back four years after shipping him to the Dolphins. Should the Eagles consider taking a chance on Hill in a hypothetical post-Brown trade pursuit scenario? It wouldn’t hurt, but it wouldn’t be as clear-cut a move as many think. 

Hopefully, for the Patriots’ sake, they won’t have to resort to Plan B this offseason.

More NFL: 

• Giants closing in on ex-Texans $2 million starter, Dexter Lawrence replacement
• 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