The New England Patriots have been linked to Philadelphia Eagles star receiver A.J. Brown in trade rumors for weeks now, but may be unwilling to pay the price.
According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Patriots are unwilling to include a first-round pick in any deal for Brown, at least for now. That could change if free agency does not yield them a star wide receiver. However, Anderson also revealed there have been talks of a multi-asset trade.
"NEW: From what I’m told earlier today, at some point in the latest talks between the (Eagles) and (Patriots), an adjustment to a multi-asset asking price was floated," Anderson wrote on X on Saturday. "However, New England’s maintained (so far**) they’re not giving up a first-round pick for AJ Brown, per league source."
The Patriots don't need to include a first-rounder in talks for Brown just yet. They can go after Alec Pierce or other options in free agency first, but if they cannot land a new No. 1 receiver, they may become more desperate. The Eagles are likely going to hold out for the offer they want, but waiting too long holds up their free agency plans as well.
Brown has teased joining the Patriots in the past, and his relationship with Mike Vrabel has made the Patriots a common landing spot in trade rumors this offseason. He has posted at least 1,000 receiving yards in every season but one, and he played in 13 games in that year. He would be a great addition to the Patriots' offense.
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