The New England Patriots added A.J. Brown to their team this offseason, and the move reminds Rob Gronkowski of a move the Patriots made for a star receiver in the past: trading for Randy Moss.
The Patriots traded for Moss before the 2007 season, after losing in the AFC Championship Game in the previous season. Moss broke the single-season receiving touchdown record in his first season with the Patriots and strengthened his case for the Hall of Fame. Moss was already an elite receiver before the Patriots, like Brown.
Gronkowski spoke on some of the similarities between Moss and Brown. He noted that they are different players, but one similarity sticks out in the two situations.
"The only similarity I would say he has to Randy Moss – they’re two totally different players. Built totally different," Gronkowski explained to FOX News' Scott Thompson in a story published Friday. "But both great No. 1 wide receivers. They kinda had a down year – I wouldn’t really say a down year. And then they both wanted to go to the New England Patriots. That’s the similarity I see between Randy Moss and A.J. Brown."
Moss had just 553 yards in 13 games with the Raiders in the season before he joined the Patriots. Brown was a 1,000-yard receiver, but it was his worst season with the Eagles. There were reports of Brown being frustrated with his role and with Jalen Hurts. Brown grew up a Patriots fan and has hinted at a desire to play for them on multiple occasions.
He finally got his wish. The Patriots were one win away from being champions, and if Brown can be half the player Moss was in New England, the Patriots could win their seventh Super Bowl.
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