The New England Patriots may have to pay a premium to acquire A.J. Brown or Maxx Crosby this offseason.

Trade rumors have swirled around Brown and Crosby in recent weeks. Either the star Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver or the dominant Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher could help the Patriots defend their AFC title in 2026, but Adam Schefter issued an ominous update on Monday.

The ESPN insider said on “The Pat McAfee Show” that the Eagles and Raiders prefer to retain Brown and Crosby, respectively.

“I think A.J. Brown and Maxx Crosby are in a similar situation,” Schefter explained. “Both teams not wanting to deal their guys, both teams open to listening. And both teams have to have an offer that they can’t say no to, to move guys that they want to hold onto.”

Schefter’s depiction aligns with public comments from Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. While he said he’ll listen to anything, Roseman also asserted that the chances of him trading a star player like Brown are “not very high.”

Even in a down year, Brown secured his fourth straight 1,000-yard season and notched seven receiving touchdowns for the third straight time. Philadelphia’s offensive struggles raised questions about the 28-year-old’s future, and his connection to Mike Vrabel makes the Patriots an intriguing fit if the Eagles seek a trade.

Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer delivered a different perspective about Crosby’s trade chances, reporting Monday that the Raiders could move the 28-year-old this week. The Patriots are one of several teams “keeping tabs” on the five-time Pro Bowler.

Crosby reportedly wants to leave the franchise where he’s spent his entire seven-season career following a 3-14 season. He collected 10 sacks and 20 quarterback hits in 2025.

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