The New England Patriots traded for A.J. Brown on Monday, but one writer thinks the move has the potential to backfire.
Brown is a proven receiver and gives Drake Maye a true No. 1 option. However, there are some concerns about his attitude and injury history. He is going to turn 29 later this month, and Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon outlined how the trade could come back to bite the Patriots.
"It's arguably a red flag that two teams have decided to trade Brown in or around his prime in the last four years," Gagnon wrote on Friday. "His addition could easily mess with a good thing in New England, especially if he becomes a distraction off the field. He also turns 29 this month, and he's coming off his second-worst season as a pro. Don't be surprised if the Patriots have moved on by 2028 but are left without a first-round pick anyway."
The Patriots made the Super Bowl last year without Brown. Their leading receiver was Stefon Diggs, who was coming off an ACL tear and was older than Brown is now. They signed Romeo Doubs, who has the talent to replace Diggs 1:1.
However, trading for Brown is a move that gives the Patriots two great targets for Drake Maye. He seems to be worth the risk that comes with him. Additionally, he wants to be a Patriot, so there may be some added motivation to perform.
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