The New England Patriots could soon finally address one of their biggest offseason needs. New England experienced an impressive 2025 campaign in large part due to the development of Drake Maye. The sophomore quarterback led his team to Super Bowl LX and finished second in the NFL MVP voting.
Maye helped New England finish the most recent season as a top-five pass offense in the entire league. He led all NFL quarterbacks in completion percentage, average yards per pass, and QBR. Despite this, the youngster could use more help from his receivers. While the Patriots racked up 4,258 yards through the air, Stefon Diggs was the only New England wide receiver to record more than 600 yards on the season.
On top of this, Diggs was recently cut by the team and will no longer be on the roster moving forward. The Patriots have since missed out on top free agent Alec Pierce. The 1,000-yard receiver opted to re-sign with the Indianapolis Colts rather than hit the open market. With Pierce off the board, New England could be better off targeting a star via trade.
Philadelphia Eagles standout A.J. Brown has been linked with a potential move to the Patriots for weeks now. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer even recently reported that New England is on the star’s wish list. Several other contenders, such as the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs, also made the cut. Although the Pats would likely love to have Brown, the two teams are having trouble striking a deal.
New England Patriots Could Have Advantage in A.J. Brown Sweepstakes
GettyA.J. Brown has made the Pro Bowl in three of the last six seasons.
NFL insider Josina Anderson has claimed that the Eagles “may be okay with a 2027 first-round pick & a 2026 second-round pick” for Brown. According to Anderson, the Patriots prefer not to give up a first-round selection. Nevertheless, New England could have an advantage in the sweepstakes.
Breer’s aforementioned report asserts that the Bills, Chargers, and Chiefs may be out on Brown. Buffalo has acquired D.J. Moore to solve their receiving issue. The reporter also claims that both Los Angeles and Kansas City are focused on other positional needs at the moment. If Brown’s list remains the same, New England would essentially be the only team left.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, however, reported on March 9 that an agreement between the Eagles and Patriots is not close. New England could very well be set for a waiting game. Assuming another team will not meet Philadelphia’s asking price, they will likely have to bend a bit.
Patriots Could Look to a Former Deal Involving Diggs
Interestingly enough, a previous trade involving Diggs could be a reference for a deal involving Brown. The Houston Texans acquired Diggs, as well as a pair of mid-level draft picks, from the Bills in 2024 for a 2025 second-round selection. Brown is currently younger than Diggs was at the time, but Diggs was more productive.
Potentially parting ways with second-round and third-round draft picks may ultimately get the deal done. The move would not exactly hurt the Patriots too much. After all, New England has 11 total selections in the upcoming 2026 draft and has a glaring need for a number-one wide receiver. Brown would seemingly solve a major problem for the team.
New England Patriots receive: A.J. Brown
Philadelphia Eagles receive: 2026 2nd-round pick, 2026 3rd-round pick