Why Patriots Should Walk Away From Possibly Trading For Eagles WR A.J. Brown originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The most significant storyline for the New England Patriots this offseason revolves around the possibility of trading for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown.
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This story has been unfolding for almost six months now, dating back to the NFL trade deadline last season, and it’s time for New England to put it to rest.
The Eagles aren’t in a strong position to trade him at the moment because doing so would leave them with $43 million in dead money this season and a $20 million loss in cap space. However, the Eagles could consider trading Brown after June 1, which would reduce the dead cap hit to $16 million this season and save them $7 million in cap space.
It's more likely that the Eagles would trade Brown after June 1, which means New England wouldn't be able to use any of its 2026 NFL Draft picks to acquire him. Philadelphia seems to want a first-round pick in return, and the Patriots could be willing to part with a 2027 first-round pick, but they have no idea where that pick might end up.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea for New England to trade away the No. 31 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft since it's almost like an early second-round pick. However, there's a chance the Patriots could take a step back next season, and if they find themselves picking in the top 15, trading their 2027 first-round pick to the Eagles for Brown might not be worth it.
If the Eagles are open to revisiting the offer to secure a second-round pick next year, then trading for Brown might not be an issue. Yet, as things stand, New England shouldn't rush into any deals for Brown, especially since it’s likely that any trade will need to happen in June and could end up costing a 2027 first-round pick.
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