AJ Brown Expected To Join Patriots This Week In Exchange For 2028 First-Round Pick

Multiple NFL executives said over the weekend that they believe the Eagles will trade star receiver AJ Brown to New England this week, with one general manager saying the Eagles will land a 2028 first-round pick for him.

The New England Patriots, who reached the Super Bowl last season but have had a tumultuous offseason and lack premium talent at critical positions, have been viewed throughout the process as clear front-runners to obtain Brown. 

Still, nothing is complete until the transaction is registered with the league office, and there is always a chance another team swoops in and surprises.

One general manager, who is not involved in the process but has been in contact with several parties who are, said: "I hear it's New England for a 2028 first-round pick. He's a good football player, but that's a helluva deal for (Eagles GM) Howie (Roseman)." 

The reality is the Eagles have been entertaining offers on Brown and gauging his value since shortly after the season ended. The high-profile player made it abundantly clear over the course of 2025, when the Philadelphia offence failed miserably, that he was not pleased, and the general perception around the league all along was that he would be moved after Memorial Day.

The Time Is, Finally, Now

Brown’s contract is structured in a way that the Eagles could more easily stomach the salary cap hits associated with the transaction after June 1. 

And with this situation lingering over their entire offseason, there is seemingly always drama with the Eagles, even when they are winning Super Bowls. Brown has been bracing for a new team for months. 

The Eagles have a new offensive playcaller in place and are trying to expand the scope of the offence with the rookie pass catchers they selected at the top of the draft, along with holdover receivers and tight ends.

Another general manager, who said he was unsure of the compensation but expected Brown to be with New England by the end of the week, said, “It's getting done. Howie is ready to put this behind him.”

The Patriots badly need more weapons for young quarterback Drake Maye, and Brown could more than supplement what veteran free-agent receiver Stefon Diggs provided them a year ago. New England needs more size/speed pass catchers who can win deep downfield for their strong-armed quarterback, and rival GMs have sized them up as the most likely landing spot for Brown throughout the process.