Based on how much it has been discussed at this point, it feels almost inevitable that wide receiver AJ Brown will be traded to the Patriots at some point this offseason. There is speculation that it will happen before the draft, while other NFL experts believe it won't happen until after June 1 because the Eagles would save a lot more money.
No matter when it happens, assuming it will at some point, Patriots fans have been excited about Brown finally joining the team he grew up a fan of. His story about breaking down and crying when Bill Belichick passed on drafting him in 2019 has never sat right with the fans, so it's time to change one of the head coach's biggest mistakes.
But there are still some concerns with adding Brown to the roster, even if the positives outweigh the negatives.
That's why I spoke to Eagles' expert Anthony Miller from Inside the Iggles, who sent a warning to the Patriots about the not-so-pretty stuff that comes with having Brown on your team.
Patriots fans might want to consider all that comes with an AJ Brown trade
Although it might not be what Patriots fans want to hear, it's important to hear what Miller has to say, as Brown has had more than his fair share of drama since he was traded to the Eagles in 2022.
"Brown is a three-time Pro Bowler and can make all the plays, but the moment his quarterback stops throwing him the ball, a massive headache will be created, and Advil cannot relieve it. This isn't about all the cryptic tweets off the field, but about them on the field.
In the last two years, when Brown has shown frustration in a game after not getting the ball, fans have noticed that he takes plays off, something that even his former teammate Jason Kelce has mentioned in the past.
The moment Brown lets his emotions get the best of him, that top 10 wide receiver status he should be disappears."
This isn't exactly breaking news to Patriots fans, as Brown's behavior has been well-documented over the years. But they're also an organization no stranger to wide receivers (or any player) with varying reputations before they get to Foxboro.
Perhaps the most infamous of all is Randy Moss, who Bill Belichick traded for in 2007. He was considered a problematic receiver with diva behavior, yet that was never an issue during his three-year tenure.
There's a good chance the same will be said about Brown, especially if he gets the chance to reunite with Mike Vrabel, who never wanted him traded from the Titans in the first place. On top of that, he would automatically become Drake Maye's go-to weapon, and that should settle some drama, but he would have to be okay with sharing the ball a bit more than maybe he was hoping for.
Regardless, he would still be the clear WR1 in New England, which hasn't been the case for him with the Eagles, as DeVonta Smith has risen in the ranks over the years.
Overall, Miller's warning is certainly something to keep in mind, but it shouldn't be a reason for the Patriots to hold off on a deal done if the Eagles are willing to deal Brown. It would be a full-circle moment, fans, and arguably Brown himself, have been waiting for, and now is the best time to get it done.