The [New England Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) could still be in the market for a wide receiver, but A.J. Brown may not be the player they should be targeting.
Rumblings of the Patriots trading for Brown have been widespread all offseason. However, current reports indicate that the Philadelphia Eagles want a first-round pick, and the Patriots do not want to give up more than a second-round pick and some change. The Patriots should not be too attached to their first-round pick, but if they are going to deal it, it should be for a different player.
Brown is a great player, but may not be worth a first-round pick right now. He has a huge cap hit and will turn 30 next year. If the Patriots want a receiver, they should focus resources on George Pickens instead. Pickens was a star last season, in his first year with actually competent quarterback play.
Pickens has been franchise tagged, and Jerry Jones has noted that he does not plan to trade him. However, he once dug his heels in and said the same thing about Micah Parsons. Pickens will be looking for a new and lucrative deal and will cost the Patriots a first-round pick at least. However, he may be more worth it than Brown.
Pickens is only 25 and has years of his prime ahead of him. He put up 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, sharing the spotlight with CeeDee Lamb. On the Patriots, he would be the new No. 1 receiver for Drake Maye, coming off an MVP-caliber season. Additionally, he would boost the impact Romeo Doubs would have on the team.
The Patriots have said multiple times this offseason that the team is open to exploring all avenues to improve its roster. Trading a first-round pick to do so is not out of the question, but they clearly do not feel that Brown is a player worth doing so for. Pickens, however, could be.
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