It's one thing when a run-of-the-mill NFL insider says the Patriots are the favorites to trade for A.J. Brown. It's another thing when Adam Schefter says it.
Numerous offseason rumors have identified New England as the likeliest landing spot for Brown, whose days with the Philadelphia Eagles appear to be numbered. And Scheter added fuel to the fire this week during an appearance on ESPN's "Unsportsmanlike" program.
"There aren't that many teams out there, right now, that could and would make an A.J. Brown trade work," said Schefter, who reiterated the Eagles prefer to trade Brown after June 1 due to financial concerns. "I mean, how many realistic landing spots are there for him right now? To me, New England would be logical.
" ... Of all the teams out there, the Patriots are by far the most likely landing spot, and the team that would express the most interest and have the greatest need. But that doesn't mean it's going to get done."
How many logical landing spots are there for AJ Brown?
The Patriots are by far the most likely landing spot, but it doesn't mean it's going to get done. @AdamSchefter | @ZipRecruiter pic.twitter.com/EjvsVQuIQu
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE (@UnSportsESPN) March 24, 2026
Brown obviously would be a huge get for the Patriots.
He remains one of the NFL's best receivers despite having a lengthy injury history. Brown's mercurial personality is somewhat concerning, but it's fair to assume that head coach Mike Vrabel knows how to handle him, given their time together with the Tennessee Titans.
In 15 games last season, Brown posted seven catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns. He eclipsed 1,000 yards in six of his first seven NFL campaigns.
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