The New England Patriots capped a historic 2025 run with a 14-3 record and four playoff wins, before falling to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13 in Super Bowl LX. Now, the team is making a bold offseason move, releasing star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to clear cap space and reset their roster.
The decision has immediately sparked one of the offseason’s loudest trade rumors, with Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown emerging as New England’s top target. The next move could reshape the AFC.
Patriots Positioning for A.J. Brown Trade After Stefon Diggs Cut
The Patriots will release Diggs when the new league year opens on March 11, clearing $16.8 million in cap space as part of a broader $57 million available heading into free agency. Diggs, 32, delivered a strong debut season in New England with 85 receptions for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns, but his contract structure, legal troubles, and age all factored into the decision.
His absence leaves a real void for quarterback Drake Maye, who proved himself as one of the AFC’s best young passers in 2025 and now needs an elite receiver to build around.
Report: A.J. Brown Trade Rumor Heats Up After Stefon Diggs Release
Report: A.J. Brown Trade Rumor Heats Up After Stefon Diggs Release (Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
Reports confirm the Patriots have already called the Philadelphia Eagles with a trade offer for star wide receiver A.J. Brown. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel coached Brown during his three seasons with the Tennessee Titans after drafting him in 2019, and both have spoken openly about their strong relationship. Brown has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in six of his seven NFL seasons and turns 29 in June, putting him in his prime.
The Eagles, meanwhile, have set a steep asking price comparable to a first-round and second-round pick combination, which has drawn frustration from interested teams. The Patriots view the current asking price as “unserious” but they remain the team most publicly linked to Brown. With the Bills now pivoting to DJ Moore, New England has emerged as the clear frontrunner.
Can Vrabel reunite with the receiver he once coached, or will Philadelphia’s asking price prove too steep?
The Patriots will enter the new league year with over $57 million in cap space and the draft capital to back their reported offer. Philadelphia faces a decision on Brown’s contract and trade value as the new league year approaches. With the New England Patriots opening 2026 against AFC East rivals the Bills and Dolphins, the pressure to act is real. If the Patriots land Brown, it would hand Drake Maye his most dangerous weapon yet, and send a clear message that New England is built to compete again.