March 20, 2026, 10:14 a.m. ET

If anyone wanted more fuel to the fire of the ongoing A.J. Brown and New England Patriots trade speculation, they got it in the form of an offseason workout involving the three-time All-Pro receiver and All-Pro safety Kevin Byard.

The Patriots signed Byard to a one-year deal in free agency, and he obviously has a close connection with Brown, who was his former teammate at the Tennessee Titans. Yet, the timing of the images surfacing on social media has generated serious buzz.

Brown has been the subject of trade talks throughout the offseason, with the Philadelphia Eagles reportedly considering dealing him to another team. The Patriots have been at the forefront of those negotiations due to the team’s need for a No. 1 receiver and head coach Mike Vrabel’s relationship with Brown.

Patriots legend Julian Edelman fanned the flames even further on Thursday by reposting the segment of Brown’s Dudes on Dudes interview when he winked at the camera, when asked if he was joining New England.

If the Eagles decide to trade Brown, they might choose to wait until after June 1 to keep from eating over $40 million in dead cap.

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