Although there has been some recent doubt, more than likely, the New England Patriots will acquire wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. But until it happens, exploring other alternatives is a fun exercise.
If the Patriots wanted to do the same, they could make an offer for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens.
Today, Heavy Sports will do that for them. We propose the Patriots send their 2027 first-rounder and 2028 third-round picks to the Cowboys for Pickens.
Such a deal is more expensive than the compensation insiders have reported the Patriots will send to the Eagles for Brown. But Pickens is younger and thus gives New England a WR1 who has a higher probability of remaining elite deeper into Drake Maye’s prime.
Last season, Pickens made his first Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro with the Cowboys. He registered career-bests of 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games.
Could the Patriots Pursue WR George Pickens as A.J. Brown Alternative?
Admittedly, the answer to the above question is probably not. But it shouldn’t be completely thrown out as a possibility either.
Pickens is set to play on the 1-year, $27.298 million franchise tag during 2026. Cowboys executive Stephen Jones has already stated the team will not negotiate a long-term deal with Pickens this summer.
It’s possible the Cowboys could tag Pickens again next season. That is, if the team and receiver get through 2026 without any off-the-field drama stemming from the lack of a long-term deal.
Pickens is a significant key to the Dallas offense. So even with an uncertain future with the receiver, the Cowboys aren’t going to just give away Pickens.
But if the Patriots offered a first-rounder and another selection, that’s likely going to be difficult for Dallas to refuse.
In New England, the Patriots could sign Pickens to the long-term deal he desires. Spotrac projected Pickens is worth $122.4 million on a 4-year deal.
That’s more than fair given the receiver’s All-Pro potential. Such a deal could actually be a bargain, as it would make Pickens the eighth-highest paid receiver on an average annual basis.
Brown is making $32 million per season on his current deal.
The big advantage Pickens offers over Brown, though, is his age. Pickens only turned 25 years old in March. Brown will become 29 in June.
What Patriots Could Give Up for Brown
Multiple insiders have suggested Brown will also cost the Patriots a first-round pick, as Heavy Sports has argued Pickens would be worth. New England’s first-rounder in a trade for Brown, though, is likely to be in 2028.
Patriots insider Tom Curran is the latest reporter to discuss the Patriots compensation for Brown. On Thursday, Curran stated it will cost New England a first-rounder, but he also said New England could get a pick in return along with the receiver.
“From what I’ve heard, this is a future 1st rounder, but there could be something in return that would set it up so that it’s not as much for the New England Patriots to give,” said Curran.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Eagles insiders haven’t provided those specific details about the Patriots potentially getting a pick with Brown. But they have suggested the asking price for Brown will include a 2028 first-rounder.
Also Thursday, Curran said the Brown is trade is more of a “foregone conclusion” than anything else at this point.
Again, that makes a Pickens deal to New England highly unlikely. But should anything fall through at the last moment with Brown, the Patriots should consider pivoting to make an offer for Pickens.
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