The A.J. Brown saga in Philadelphia is likely going to come to an end this summer, and according to a recent report from ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the team that’s been connected to the star wide receiver the most through it all — the New England Patriots — remains the likely landing spot.
In an article for ESPN, Schefter detailed that a deal sending Brown to New England is still on the table, with the potential to be finalized on or after June 1.
“No matter what happens at this week’s draft, an A.J. Brown trade to the Patriots is still on the table and still tracking to happen on or after June 1, per league sources. The two sides have discussed a deal, but neither has been willing to commit to it until after June 1, when Brown’s $40 million salary cap charge would be split between this year and next.
All the elements remain in place to make it happen, and Brown to the Patriots is still the likely outcome … just not during this week’s draft, per sources. Put the trade on hold for now, but things will soon quickly warm back up. The Eagles remain open to trading Brown, the Patriots remain highly interested in acquiring the star receiver, and conversations are expected to resume on or before June 1, probably culminating in a deal, per league sources,”
Schefter later mentioned in an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show that a future first-round pick could be involved as part of the return going back to Philadelphia.
The 28-year-old Brown had a down 2025 season by his standards, tallying 78 receptions for 1,003 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns across 15 games.
Despite the addition of Romeo Doubs, rumors have long linked the Patriots to another move at the position, with Brown always being at the forefront. He would become the unquestioned number-one option for young star quarterback Drake Maye, who took the team to the Super Bowl with Stefon Diggs as his leading receiver last season.
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