The New England Patriots have reportedly made a couple of moves in free agency now that the legal tampering period is open, but one name the team continues to be linked to on the trade market is Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, especially after the team missed out on one of its top targets, Alec Pierce, on the open market.
After releasing Stefon Diggs, the Patriots are in desperate need of a No. 1 wide receiver, and Brown would certainly fill that role. To this point, though, the Eagles' high asking price has prevented the Pats from pulling the trigger. According to a new report, it sounds like New England is skeptical of parting ways with a first-round pick in order to bring Brown to town.
"A league source conveyed to me Monday the belief that the Eagles may be okay with a 2027 1st round pick & a 2026 2nd round pick for WR AJ Brown," NFL insider Josina Anderson reported in a post on X. "So far, Patriots have had a hard time giving up a first, per source. Not clear if that sentiment pertains to both 2026 and 2027, just yet."
It's not hard to see why Philly is playing hardball in these trade talks, as Brown just racked up 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games last season. New England needs a player like Brown, but it looks like Philadelphia is also open to moving on from him after a drama-filled 2025 campaign.
With so few options left on the free agent market, the Patriots will likely have to acquire the sort of wide receiver they are looking for in a trade. Brown is certainly a logical fit, but unless the Eagles drop their asking price, it seems like these talks will remain at a standstill.
More NFL: Former Patriots Kicker Nick Folk Reportedly Spurns Division Rival In Free Agency