The [New England Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) have been linked to A.J. Brown all offseason, but at what point would acquiring him be a mistake?
The Patriots signed Romeo Doubs, and he has the talent to turn into the No. 1 receiver for the team. However, despite adding Doubs, the Patriots reportedly still have interest in Brown. The Philadelphia Eagles reportedly want a first-round pick in return and are reportedly tabling trade talks right now.
However, if Brown were traded after June 1, his cap implications would change. That could lead to a lower asking price, opening the door for the Patriots. That does not mean the Patriots should just give the Eagles whatever they want. There should still be a limit to what they are willing to give up for an elite receiver.
Brown has surpassed 1,000 yards in six of his seven NFL seasons. The only year he did not do so was in 2021, when he played just 13 games. He would undoubtedly be the best receiver the Patriots have had in years, but he may not be worth a first-round pick.
Brown will turn 29 this year and has cap hits of $23 million, $22 million, $27 million and $29 million in the next four seasons. The dollar figures alone are plenty of investment for a team. However, pairing that with a first-round pick would be far too much to give up. Additionally, the Eagles are believed to want more on top of a first-round pick.
As talented as Brown is, there are other receivers the Patriots could get by including a first-round pick in a trade. Depending on how things unfold between the Dallas Cowboys and George Pickens, using a first-round pick in a trade for Pickens would be a better decision than doing so for Brown?
Where should the Patriots draw the line? Assuming Brown is traded after June 1, the Eagles may be willing to accept a second-round pick. The Patriots should not trade for Brown if he will cost them more than a second-round pick and a Day 3 pick. If they have to give up more than that, they would be better off drafting a receiver in the first round or using assets to trade for a younger star receiver.
**_More NFL:_** [**_Patriots Offseason Preview: Everything Team Must Address In 2026_**](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots/news/patriots-offseason-preview-everything-team-must-address-2026/aaf2d2af915aac61a95dded5)