Patriots Close in on A.J. Brown Trade With Eagles

Sport

By lines

May 31, 2026

Pop art illustration of a football player figure mid-stride between two zones

An A.J. Brown trade to the New England Patriots now has a reported framework in place. Albert Breer expects a deal early next week. The Philadelphia Eagles still weigh the final compensation.

New England Bets on Drake Maye’s New Top Target

Albert Breer reported the framework targets a deal early next week. A.J. Brown would become a Patriot once both teams settle terms. The Philadelphia Eagles want a first-round pick in return. That pick would arrive in 2027 or 2028. A swap of later picks may also join the package. Breer said the deal closes if New England surrenders that first-rounder.

A.J. Brown caught 78 passes on 120 targets in 2025. A.J. Brown gained 1,003 receiving yards and scored 7 touchdowns. Brown averaged 12.9 yards per reception across the season. Brown became the first Eagles receiver with four straight 1,000-yard seasons. Brown signed a three-year, $96 million extension back in 2024. That contract averages $32 million per year for Brown. Brown caught five passes for 68 yards in Week 17 against Buffalo.

The June 1 deadline drives the A.J. Brown trade economics. A pre-June 1 trade hands the Philadelphia Eagles a $43.4 million dead cap hit. A post-June 1 trade cuts that charge to $16.4 million. Brown is owed a fully guaranteed $29 million in 2026. The Eagles save about $27 million by waiting past June 1.

Brown averaged 83 receiving yards per game across his first three Eagles seasons. That figure dropped to 66.9 yards per game in 2025. The New England Patriots project more passing volume under quarterback Drake Maye. A.J. Brown would enter as Drake Maye’s clear No. 1 receiver. DeVonta Smith now leads the Philadelphia Eagles receiver room.

The Los Angeles Rams also pursued A.J. Brown during free agency week. Brown listed the Patriots, Chargers, Bills and Chiefs as preferred destinations. The New England Patriots emerged as clear favorites for A.J. Brown. New England added Drake Maye as its franchise quarterback last year.

A.J. Brown’s exit would hand the Philadelphia Eagles offense to Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith. DeVonta Smith signed a three-year, $75 million extension in 2024. That deal pays DeVonta Smith $14 million in 2026. Philadelphia would build around DeVonta Smith as its new No. 1 receiver.

Conflicting reports cloud the A.J. Brown trade timeline. Ian Rapoport said the two sides are not particularly close. Albert Breer countered that only a late collapse stops the deal. Patriots fans should watch for movement just after June 1.