There are many people in the world of NFL media trying to figure out what the Patriots will do in this off-season. While there are choices for quarterback, running back, tight end, and offensive line, the options for a top wide receiver are limited. Supply and demand suggests that if a No. 1 receiver is indeed going to New England next season, it will have to happen through a trade with the Patriots.
And such a trade could be expensive.
At the Bleacher Report podcast “Off the Edge” with Jake Ellenbogen and former NFL player Cameron Lynch, they proposed a significant package for star Eagles receiver A.J. Brown, who has expressed dissatisfaction with the organization. Brown is currently in the middle of a four-year, $100 million extension that he signed in 2022.
If the Eagles If the Patriots aim to start afresh after last year’s end-of-season upset, they could step in and acquire Brown from the Eagles. However, it will come at a cost: the suggested price is the Patriots' second, third, and fourth round picks in the 2024 NFL draft.
A.J. Brown Among the Top Wide Receivers in the NFL
The high cost is justified because Brown is a genuine No. 1 receiver. Last season, he achieved 106 catches and 1,456 yards, securing his third Pro Bowl selection, and received a 90.0 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking him as the No. 9 receiver in the league. At just 26 years old, Brown is in the prime of his career, and there are few options left in the receiver market. “A second, a third, and a fourth, it's a lot, but what better way to usher in a new era of Patriots football than by bringing in a franchise quarterback with the 3rd pick?” Ellenbogen pondered. The Patriots could potentially draft Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye with their No. 3 pick, but they would have to sacrifice their next three choices to acquire Brown.“I don't know why, but I can see this,” Ellenbogen said. “I can see AJ Brown in a Patriots uniform. I don’t know why, I know they’re currently negotiating to secure Kendrick Bourne, they found Demario Douglas last year, he’s an enjoyable player to watch. But ultimately, I like this move for them. Why would you want to play with a rookie and all that, I understand that. However, if you want to be ‘the guy’… if you don’t want to play that game, go to New England.”
Patriots Trade Would Be a Longshot
Now, it is unlikely that the Eagles will seriously consider trading away Brown. Regardless of the challenges that have come with him, he is simply too talented. It's also unlikely that the Patriots would give up three valuable picks in the middle of a deep draft, especially when the team needs depth in every offensive position and some on defense.
But a Patriots trade for Brown would be a significant moment for both the player and the team. Remember, back when Brown was in the draft in 2019, he was a top choice for the Patriots' draft with the 32
and final pick of the first round.
The Patriots made a significant drafting mistake and selected the disappointing N’Keal Harry instead of Brown (not to mention Deebo Samuel).nd Brown was very confident that the Patriots would choose him for that position. He was so certain that when the Harry pick was made,
Brown later said,
: “It was announced that the pick was made. I haven't received a phone call yet. So I thought 'This situation is finished.' So I told my brother, I told D, I said 'Bro, let's go.' And I left everyone at the house and went home. I went into the closet and cried a lot. I promise.” A Patriots trade might be the only way to get an established top wide receiver. Acquiring A.J. Brown would be expensive, but potentially worthwhile.: “It said the pick was in. I know I ain’t got a phone call by now. So I’m like ‘This s*** is over.’ So I told my brother, I told D, I said ‘Bro, let’s go.’ And I left everybody at the house and went home. I went in the closet and cried my eyes out. I swear.”
