The New England Patriots have been linked to A.J. Brown all offseason in trade rumors, but they may want to pivot to other receivers amid the latest update.
The Patriots reportedly remained interested in Brown even after signing Romeo Doubs. However, they were reportedly unwilling to give up a first-round pick. Cap implications for Brown change after June 1, so many think that discussions could resume after that. However, at the league's annual meeting, Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni both noted that Brown is a member of the Eagles, implying they are not trying to trade him.
Additionally, Eliot Wolf noted that the Patriots have not discussed A.J. Brown in a while. If Brown is off the table, and the Patriots still want a receiver, they should go after Jauan Jennings.
In 2024, Jennings was 25 yards short of a 1,000-yard season and was ejected in the San Francisco 49ers' final game of the season. Last season, he had 643 yards and nine touchdowns. He started all 15 games he played in for the 49ers last season, and is still a young, talented receiver.
Jennings is not in the same tier of receivers as Brown is. However, he could be a great complement to Doubs and Kayshon Boutte. Additionally, he would be less of a burden on the cap than a player like Brown. However, the Patriots should not sign Jennings just to sign him. They should only pursue him if they feel their receiving corps is not good enough.
The reality is that it might not be. Doubs has never been a No. 1 receiver on an offense in the NFL, and he has big shoes to fill on the Patriots. Stefon Diggs was a 1,000-yard receiver last season, and signing Jennings could help the offense replicate his production. Additionally, Jennings would provide Maye with a great No. 1 option if Doubs goes down with an injury.
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