Following a chaotic 2025 season marked by public frustration and a heated sideline conflict with coach Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown is currently the subject of active trade discussions.
While Brown still cleared 1,003 receiving yards, his production dropped to 66.9 yards per game, his lowest mark since joining the Eagles. With team representatives at the NFL combine the past several days, the Eagles are reportedly holding out for a first-round pick. The New England Patriots are considered among the frontrunners to land him if the asking price drops.
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Alongside the Patriots, teams around the league view a second-round pick as a fair opening offer for Brown, per Ben Belford-Peltzman of Pro Football Network. That valuation gap is wide enough to stall negotiations well past the March 11 trade deadline.
The Patriots are a likely landing spot because Mike Vrabel coached Brown on the Tennessee Titans after they drafted him in 2019. At the combine, the 50-year-old coach was asked directly about trading for his former receiver, and he didn’t rule it out, saying, “The relationship with players, and specifically A.J., has meant a lot.”
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Vrabel added that he watched him grow and become mature. Regarding the trade itself, the Patriots coach kept his options open, noting that the team will “look at everything” possible to improve the roster.
The Boston Herald reports that the Patriots find the Eagles’ current asking price for Brown “unserious.” Meanwhile, ESPN suggested a trade where New England sends its 2026 first-round pick (No. 31), a third and a sixth in exchange for Brown and a second-rounder.
Moving Brown before June 1 would trigger a massive $43.4 million dead money hit for Philadelphia. That financial burden gives the Eagles every reason to wait for the best deal possible. It’s a potential move NFL fans will be watching for when the trade window opens on March 11.
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Related: Eagles HC Nick Sirianni Noncommittal on A.J. Brown Return for 2026 Season
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.