Speculation continues to intensify about whether the New England Patriots will trade for A.J. Brown this offseason. One writer examined how that potential blockbuster could affect the offense.
The Patriots reportedly remain in pursuit of Brown, and they may acquire the star wide receiver from the Philadelphia Eagles after June 1. Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal predicted strong contributions from Brown if he joins forces with Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye in Foxborough.
"I think you're gonna get a big bounce from him," Giardi said on CLNS Media's "All 32 Podcast" episode released Wednesday. "I think if he stays healthy-ish ... being reunited with Vrabel and then with a quarterback who's willing to push it into tight windows, a quarterback who's willing to throw the ball over the middle of the field ... A.J. Brown could have a great impact on the team."
Brown went from tallying 2,952 combined receiving yards in his first two seasons with the Eagles to 2,082 in the last two. While the three-time Pro Bowler may not return to peak form, Giardi still thinks Brown's presence would be a huge boost for New England's other big offseason receiver acquisition.
"Even if AJ Brown is not the 1,500-yard receiver he was the first two years he was in Philadelphia ... that's gonna dramatically improve life for Romeo Doubs, who didn't have that guy in Green Bay," Giardi said.
The Packers spread the wealth with a deep group of talented wide receivers, but Giardi believes Doubs would benefit by playing alongside a true No. 1 wideout who demands the defense's attention.
Giardi doesn't see why Doubs can't register 70 catches for 850-900 receiving yards, even if Brown tops 1,000 yards for the fifth straight season.
"If you're a two, and A.J.'s outside you and A.J.'s getting two guys in coverage, you're one-on-one," Giardi added. "And he's really good in one-on-one situations. He was really good against man (coverage) last year."
Although salary cap implications have drawn out the process, the Patriots appear to remain a strong candidate to land Brown.
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