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Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman reiterated that A.J. Brown is still on the team during the NFL Draft.
Going into the NFL Draft, Adam Schefter reported that the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles would “likely” have a deal in place for star wide receiver A.J. Brown after June 1st.
That’s led to an interesting situation where the trade has not happened. On top of that, there’s a chance it falls through or is made with someone else. So, while both teams have good reason to think they’re building a roster in the draft with the Brown trade in mind, it’s not definite.
Recently, Eagles GM Howie Roseman seemed to remind Patriots fans of that. Shortly after drafting Makai Lemon, a wide receiver, he was asked about Brown, but Roseman only wanted to emphasize the need to improve their team.
“A.J. is a member of the Eagles,” Roseman said. “We don’t have any trades that have been made, or that are done. And I think for us, we’re taking this one day at a time. We’re going to look to improve the team tomorrow, and we’ll continue to address anything that we have to with our roster, not only through this draft weekend, but we’ll continue to look for ways to improve the team throughout the offseason, and as we get into training camp.”
Obviously, Roseman doesn’t want to give too much away just yet. However, it does still seem like all signs are pointing toward a trade to the Patriots.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ First-Round Pick Signaled an A.J. Brown Trade
GettyPhiladelphia Eagles GM Makai Lemon
Howie Roseman and the Eagles were aggressive in the opening round of the NFL Draft. The Eagles decided to trade up to land their wide receiver of choice. That was Makai Lemon.
For many spectators, and Patriots fans in particular, this was a signal that the A.J. Brown trade was coming. After all, Lemon appeared to be taken to be the replacement for Brown in Philadelphia’s offense.
Even Adam Schefter got in on that action. He would say, “Eagles land more insurance for June’s expected AJ Brown trade to New England.” So, it’s hard not to get excited as a Patriots fan, no matter how Roseman tries to downplay things.
Adam Schefter on What A.J. Brown will Cost the Patriots
GettyPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown
Shortly after his report that Brown is likely heading to New England, Adam Schefter appeared on The Pat McAfee Show. There, he shared that he expects the Patriots to send a first-round package to Philadelphia.
“My guess is (the trade) will involve a future (first-round pick) at some point in time,” Schefter said. “I don’t know that it’ll be 2027 or 2028. The two sides still have to figure that out and see where they wind up. But I think the Eagles had been looking for a first-round pick, at least, for A.J. Brown. … So, my guess is that trade will include a first-round pick in the end when the two sides wind up agreeing to whatever deal they come up with.”
It’s worth pointing out that not everyone agrees with Schefter there. There are also several insiders who think a second-round package is more likely to be what the Patriots send. In particular, as Brown gets a bit older.
That, of course, will require some negotiations. If Roseman is to be taken at his word, then no trade is currently set in stone.
Dan Morrison After graduating from UMass in 2019, Dan Morrison quickly began a career in sports journalism and digital media. That has seen him work both as a contributing writer at several publications, as well as spending time on the National News Desk at On3. During that time, he has spent the majority of his time covering football, both at the college and NFL levels. Currently residing in Central Florida, his focus with Heavy is on the NFL. More about Dan Morrison
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