Getty
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 04: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles hugs head coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans after the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 04, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Trade rumors involving Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown have circulated for weeks. But a new development around the league may increase the chances that a team makes a serious push.
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the New England Patriots have informed veteran receiver Stefon Diggs that he will be released when the new league year begins next week.
That move immediately creates a major opening in New England’s offense.
Diggs finished the 2025 season leading the Patriots with 85 receptions and 1,013 receiving yards. Releasing him would free significant cap space and leave quarterback Drake Maye without a clear No. 1 target.
With that context, speculation around Brown’s future has already intensified. The star receiver had already been linked to the Patriots. Now, New England’s decision to move on from Diggs has pushed those rumors even further.
Philadelphia has publicly maintained that Brown is not on the trade block. Still, reports have indicated the Eagles have taken calls from teams around the league. General manager Howie Roseman has reportedly demanded significant compensation to even consider a deal.
The Patriots suddenly have both the need and the financial flexibility to explore that possibility.
Patriots Suddenly Have Clear Need at Wide Receiver
New England’s decision to move on from Diggs dramatically changes the outlook of its receiver room. The 33-year-old was the team’s most productive wideout in 2025, and his departure leaves a major void in the offense.
That situation naturally connects the Patriots to Brown for several reasons.
The most obvious is the relationship between Brown and Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
Brown spent the first three seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans while Vrabel was the team’s head coach. During that stretch, he developed into one of the league’s most physical and productive young receivers.
If New England wants to build off its strong 2025 season, surrounding quarterback Drake Maye with an established No. 1 receiver would make plenty of sense.
Brown fits that profile as well as anyone potentially available.
Reports have suggested the Eagles would require a first round pick plus additional compensation in any deal involving the star receiver. That price is significant, but the Patriots have the draft capital and cap flexibility to at least explore such a move.
Eagles Face Growing Offseason Storyline
From Philadelphia’s perspective, the Diggs situation places renewed attention on a storyline the organization has tried to quiet.
Brown has been one of the NFL’s most dominant receivers since arriving in Philadelphia. He has recorded more than 5,000 receiving yards with the franchise while earning multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
Moving on from a player of that caliber would be a major decision.
Financial factors also complicate matters. According to Over The Cap, trading Brown before June 1 would result in a substantial dead cap charge for the Eagles, making any deal costly in the short term.
Still, the Patriots’ decision to release Diggs may have major implications on the A.J. Brown trade saga.