Mike Vrabel and A.J. Brown have a history together, with the wide receiver beginning his career with the Tennessee Titans. And now that Vrabel is the head coach of the New England Patriots, there’s been tons of speculation this offseason that Brown will be making his way to Foxborough before the season begins.
Specifically, a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday claimed that a trade for Brown “is likely” to come on or before June 1.
Vrabel was asked about this report, where he said he hadn’t seen it and asked for clarification on what it said. After he was told it reported the Patriots would be acquiring Brown in a trade, Vrabel immediately said “no.”
But, he also still kept the possibility open.
“No. I mean, I think we are going to continue to try to strengthen our team,” Vrabel said. “The first focus is going to be on Thursday night and making sure that we get that right, and then we’ll focus on Friday. Saturday is always an important day, just to continue to build a roster. Eliot and I will have numerous conversations with different teams. But our first focus is going to be, you know, on the draft.”
Mike Vrabel Also Addressed Kayshon Boutte’s Absence At The Start of The Voluntary Offseason Program
GettyNew England Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte
The news of Brown’s potential trade to the Patriots, it brought into question the future of another one of New England’s top receivers.
Kayshon Boutte is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie deal and is a name to watch as it concerns the trade market. Specifically, NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported on Monday that Boutte’s name has “come up in trade talks.”
And with that, the receiver was also missing from the first day of the voluntary offseason program, as Boutte posted a photo from Miami.
“Don’t really try to have a sense of anything (on) why guys don’t come. It’s voluntary, but I will tell you that Kayshon has communicated, which I texted him and told him that I respected him for doing so,” Vrabel said. But there are different reasons why guys aren’t here, or we will miss a day. That’s their prerogative. It’s voluntary. We have a few days that are mandatory. We just want to make it a product that they feel like is worthwhile being here. That’s important.”
What Will The Patriots Have To Give Up For A.J. Brown?
After his report about the trade, Schefter went on The Pat MacAfee Show to provide some more details on the situation.
“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,” he added.
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