A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots has felt like one of the worst kept secrets in the NFL this offseason.
And now, one prominent insider is providing a new update that adds even more fuel to the fire.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Philadelphia Eagles “remain open to trading AJ Brown,” and the Patriots are “highly interested in acquiring the star receiver.” While conversations stalled due to the 2026 NFL Draft, they are “acquiring the star receiver, and conversations are expected to resume shortly on or before June 1,” with Schefter adding that it will “likely” result in a deal.
“As one source said about the Patriots’ pursuit of Brown, they’ll ‘definitely be engaging then,’ Schefter added.
While he points out that other teams could emerge in the trade discussions, “multiple sources say they believe Brown and the Patriots are likely to become a tandem.“
Why Are The Eagles Waiting Until June 1?
GettyA.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles
There is one main reason that the Eagles will wait until June 1 to trade the star receiver: MONEY.
If Brown were to be traded before June 1, the Eagles would take on a decent “dead money” hit to their salary cap this year. But, if they wait until after June 1, the team can spread it over two seasons, meaning they wouldn’t have to absorb all $43.5 million in 2026.
But, it seems that’s not all of it.
Schefter further added in his report that Philadelphia is “not concerned about adding draft capital for this week’s draft,” but are more excited about the possibility of “acquiring additional picks in 2027 and 2028.”
Eagles’ Offseason Moves Have Pointed To This Trade Happening
GettyPhiladelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni
The Eagles have also continued to fuel this rumor due to their offseason acquisitions.
On March 17, Philadelphia signed Hollywood Brown, who spent the past two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, specifically recording 49 receptions for 587 yards and five touchdowns last year. Then, they signed Elijah Moore on March 24 and followed that up by trading for Dontayvion Wicks on April 10.
Both teams have continued to field these questions, with Eagles general manager Howie Roseman and Patriots Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf being asked during their pre-draft press conference.
“What do you think the odds are that I’m answering this question any different than I answered anywhere else?” Roseman said. “Like, really? Do you think it’s like 50 percent? Do you think it’s 75 percent? A.J. Brown is an Eagle.”
As for Wolf, he left the door open for this move as well as any others.
“As far as players on other teams, again, going to keep the door open to anything that we think may improve our roster, whether that’s with the player you mentioned or other players,” Wolf replied.
Along with the Eagles, the Patriots have made a move at the receiver position, bringing in veteran Romeo Doubs while also releasing Stefon Diggs. They are also expected to bring in a receiver during the draft, but this A.J. Brown news could mean that it becomes a Day 3 priority rather than in the earlier rounds.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Patriots Get Major A.J. Brown Trade Update Ahead Of 2026 NFL Draft: Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.