According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, multiple NFL teams, including the New England Patriots, have shown interest in Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown's off-field behavior late last season added to the speculation about his future with the Eagles. Many people are now wondering how the New England Patriots are involved.
Brown has recently been active on social media, leading many NFL insiders and fans to speculate about his intentions towards the Eagles. He changed his Twitter profile picture to a photo of Tom Brady himself in a Patriots uniform. Combined with the Patriots' general manager, Eliot Wolf, hinting that the team still needs a top boundary receiver in a press conference before the draft, there may be significance to all of this.
Brown's Social Media Activity
Brown caused a commotion when he changed his profile picture on social media to a photo of New England Patriots legend Tom Brady. This action spurred speculation that Brown might be hinting at a potential move. However, Brown later clarified that he changed his profile picture to honor Brady's remarkable career after being inspired by watching “The Dynasty” documentary on Apple TV+. Brown, who was a Patriots fan growing up, stressed that the change did not indicate any plans to leave the Eagles.
“TB12 is my favorite player ever,” Brown wrote in a post on X, which he has since deleted. “I watch the dynasty and it brought back some memories from my childhood.
“Go look up what he did in 2015 when he was doubted/ disrespected. Yeah I see the disrespect. Motivated … yes. That’s it. I Did not think changing my PFP (profile picture) to the greatest QB ever would cause controversy.”
The photo change wasn’t Brown’s only recent interaction with the Patriots. He also recently followed New England quarterback Jacoby Brissett and wide receiver KJ Osborn on X, fueling the speculation. While these actions may not hold significant meaning, they have fueled discussions among fans and analysts.
Despite the speculation, Brown is currently under contract with the Philadelphia Eagles until 2026, and they have stated that they are not considering offers for the star WR. However, once he becomes a free agent, New England could become a potential destination for the talented wide receiver. For now, Brown is focused on his role in Philadelphia.
“Philadelphia has gotten inquiries on A.J. Brown,” Breer said. “They have shut them all down and told other teams that he is not available.”
The Patriots Passed on Brown in the 2019 Draft
In the 2019 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots chose not to pick A.J. Brown, and instead selected Arizona State wide receiver N’Keal Harry with the final pick in the first round. Brown was then drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round. After a trade, Brown ended up with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022. In a 2020 interview, Brown revealed that he had shed tears. when the Patriots picked Harry instead of him in the draft.
#Eagles star WR A.J. Brown admitted he "Cried his eyes out" in a closest after the #Patriots passed on drafting in 2019 when they took WR N’Keal Harry instead.
A big mistake by Bill Belichick there..
(h/t @BussinWTB, @SavageSports_) (from 2020)pic.twitter.com/9lp3Ptx34I https://t.co/m0olgqeXEv
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 17, 2023
Brown was a devoted Patriots fan from childhood and is a big admirer of Tom Brady. Despite this initial letdown, Brown has excelled in his career, achieving impressive statistics, including a career-best 106 catches for 1,456 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 games for the Eagles last season. The Patriots are still clearly seeking their top WR option and have the draft resources to make a significant move. Perhaps, as the draft approaches, Philadelphia will consider this.
