A.J. Brown's future with the Philadelphia Eagles was a hot topic of discussion at the 2026 NFL League Meetings, and it sounds like execs around the league believe the Eagles and their star receiver are heading towards a breakup.
According to Mike Sando of The Athletic, many execs expect the Eagles to trade Brown to the New England Patriots after June 1.
"Execs expect the Patriots to acquire receiver A.J. Brown from Philadelphia in June, once the salary-cap implications become more tenable for the Eagles," Sando said.
"It seems just a matter of waiting until June 1 passes for Philly to trade A.J. Brown, who in my opinion is a declining player each of the last three seasons," an exec said to Sando.
Brown's production has declined over the last two years, though he is still a productive receiver and dynamic playmaker at his best.
However, a fresh start is desperately needed for Brown and Philadelphia, especially after a drama-filled 2025 season.
As for the Patriots, the team still needs to add a bona fide No. 1 receiver for quarterback Drake Maye despite signing Romeo Doubs in free agency. Brown would fit that mold, and his relationship with head coach Mike Vrabel, dating back to their days with the Tennessee Titans, makes him a logical fit in New England.
Trading Brown after the first of June always made sense for the Eagles. They would incur a far less dead cap charge and actually save $7 million, and from all indications, it looks like the multiple-time Pro Bowl receiver will be in a Patriots uniform come September.
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