In recent weeks, rumors of a potential trade involving Philadelphia Eagles’ star wide receiver A.J. Brown have heated up discussions across American football forums. Notably, the New England Patriots, a team looking for a key piece to bolster their offense, were reportedly in contact to explore the possibility of bringing Brown to Foxborough. However, according to the latest reports from Sports Illustrated, the Patriots appear to have backed away from pursuing this deal, with clear signals from executive Eliot Wolf.
Background of the Rumor
A.J. Brown, one of the NFL’s top wide receivers, has been at the center of trade rumors throughout the 2025 season. With a standout performance at Super Bowl LIX, where he helped the Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs, Brown continued to cement his value. However, his large contract and the financial pressures on the Eagles’ salary cap have sparked speculation that the team might consider trading him to restructure their roster.
The Patriots, on the other hand, are in dire need of a No. 1 wide receiver to support young quarterback Drake Maye. Posts on X and reports from sources like Albert Breer and Matthew Berry indicated that New England reached out to the Eagles about Brown before the NFL Combine and even considered a major deal involving the No. 4 overall draft pick. A scenario proposed by Nick “Fitzy” Stevens on Boston radio suggested the Eagles could send Brown, along with the 1.32 pick and a 2026 second-round pick, in exchange for a chance to draft edge rusher Abdul Carter. However, this idea was quickly dismissed by analysts, including ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who pointed out that trading Brown before June 1, 2025, would result in a massive $31.6 million “dead money” hit for the Eagles.
Patriots Back Off
In a post-draft press conference in 2025, Patriots executive Eliot Wolf made comments that implicitly ruled out pursuing a blockbuster deal like Brown’s. According to Sports Illustrated, Wolf suggested that the Patriots were not inclined to take on massive contracts, such as Brown’s, especially as the team focuses on building through the draft and managing the salary cap cautiously. This aligns with New England’s strategy of prioritizing young talent and cost-effective contracts.
Furthermore, sources indicate that the Eagles have no intention of trading Brown this season. With Brown approaching 29 and still a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offense, the team appears committed to keeping him for continued championship contention. Multiple reports, including from Philly Voice’s Jimmy Kempski, emphasize that trading Brown would not only be financially disadvantageous but also illogical from a roster-building perspective.
The Future for Brown and the Patriots
Although the Patriots have stepped back from this trade, the need to find a top-tier wide receiver for Drake Maye remains a priority. Recent reports suggest the Patriots may focus on the draft or target other, less costly options in the trade market, such as younger talents from the 2025 draft class. Meanwhile, the Eagles are reportedly considering other trade possibilities, with tight end Dallas Goedert emerging as a potential candidate to leave the team this summer.
Posts on X continue to reflect fan interest in this saga. Some users, like @NEPinsider, have floated hypothetical trade scenarios, including the Patriots acquiring Brown in exchange for draft picks and wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. However, these ideas remain speculative and lack confirmation from reliable sources.
Conclusion
While the idea of a blockbuster trade for A.J. Brown between the Eagles and Patriots sparked lively debates, current indications suggest that New England has abandoned the plan. With a long-term focus and prudent financial management, the Patriots appear to be exploring alternative solutions to upgrade their offense. Meanwhile, A.J. Brown remains an indispensable part of the Eagles, and Philadelphia fans can rest assured that their star will continue to shine at Lincoln Financial Field.