There's two potential outcomes for every NFL trade.
The first outcome is the trade works out well for a team. The second outcome is the opposite. And just because a trade looks good on paper doesn't mean that it always plays out like that on the field.
Could Patriots ultimately regret trading for A.J. Brown?
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That brings us to the [New England Patriots](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/new-england-patriots)' recent acquisition of star wide receiver A.J. Brown. On paper, Brown's addition looks like a home run for New England, with many referring to him as the "missing piece" for a Super Bowl title for the Patriots.
But, what if things go the other way?
Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon [covered that possibility](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25434024-how-nfl-offseasons-biggest-moves-could-backfire-2026) in a recent article examining how the biggest moves of the offseason could potentially backfire. He pointed to Brown's advancing age combined with his potential to be a distraction as reasons why the trade might not work out the way Patriots fans hope.
"It's arguably a red flag that two teams have decided to trade Brown in or around his prime in the last four years. His addition could easily mess with a good thing in New England, especially if he becomes a distraction off the field," Gagnon wrote.
"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."
Only time will tell whether or not the decision to trade away a first-round pick for an aging, mercurial receiver was a good one for New England. For now, it remains too early to properly judge the deal.
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