New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel during game amid A.J. Brown trade speculation.
Getty
New information surrounding A.J. Brown’s situation could influence how Mike Vrabel and the Patriots approach a possible trade.
Trade speculation around A.J. Brown continues to evolve, with the latest development Wednesday adding new context to a situation that has already shifted multiple times in recent days. One potential suitor has stepped back from discussions, the broader wide receiver market has helped clarify the likely cost of a deal, and timing remains a central factor following a recent update from ESPN insider Adam Schefter. For the Patriots and head coach Mike Vrabel, those moving pieces could influence how — and when — New England chooses to act.
For the first time, Schefter — arguably the NFL’s most plugged-in insider — revealed Wednesday that Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Brown has asked his team to trade him. In an interview with Philadelphia sports radio station 97.5 The Fanatic, Schefter said Brown wants out of Philadelphia — a development that could shift momentum in the ongoing trade talks back to the Patriots.
Schefter was asked in the interview, “Do you believe that at one point A.J. Brown and his camp have said, ‘Yes, we would prefer to be elsewhere?’”
His reply: “Yes, I think that has been conveyed at certain points.”
Will the Patriots Now Trade for A.J. Brown?
Brown himself has not publicly confirmed that he wants out of Philadelphia. The Eagles are widely believed to be on a path toward trading the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, but the team has little incentive to move him before June 1. At that point, their dead-cap hit for parting with Brown drops from about $40 million to roughly half that amount.
Another major sticking point has reportedly been the Eagles’ asking price. According to NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, Philadelphia has sought both a first-round and second-round draft pick in exchange for Brown — a price that has been viewed as too steep for the Patriots.
With Schefter’s report that Brown has asked out, momentum could begin to shift toward New England, as teams are often reluctant to retain players who have expressed a desire to move on.
Does Brown Want to Be Traded to the Patriots?
Adding another layer to the situation, Brown has long been linked to the Patriots and has indicated an affinity for the organization.
In February, Brown appeared on a podcast hosted by former Patriots stars Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman, where he appeared to hint at a possible desire to play in New England.
“Edelman opened by saying, ‘Just remember, we’re all Patriots. You know that, right?’” wrote Jordy McElroy of Patriots Wire. “Brown nodded with a grin while looking away, then followed it with a wink. Gronkowski then asked, ‘Are you going to be a Patriot?’”
According to McElroy, Brown responded by laughing.
For financial reasons, a trade may not occur until after June 1. But following Wednesday’s report from Schefter — along with Brown’s apparent, if indirect, interest in New England — the Patriots could be positioned more favorably when discussions resume.