Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown is ‘likely’ to be traded to the New England Patriots.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, talks between the Eagles and Patriots over the star wide receiver are set to continue around June 1.
That date is critical to talks because June 1 is when the 28-year-old’s $40 million salary cap charge gets split between this and next year.
Those negotiations are fully expected to lead to a trade for the Super Bowl champion, who has long been linked with an exit from Philadelphia.
It emerged later on Monday morning that Brown is not expected to attend the first day of the Eagles’ offseason workout program as he awaits clarity on his future.
It is because of this week’s NFL Draft in Pittsburgh that talks over Brown have been put on hold. The Eagles are not demanding draft picks for Brown this year, but are interested in future picks instead.
Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown is now ‘likely’ to be traded to the New England Patriots
Mike Vrabel is keen to add more offensive weapons for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye
The Eagles held talks with the Los Angeles Rams over a deal for Brown, which didn’t lead to anything, but picks for future NFL Drafts were discussed in those negotiations.
It is widely acknowledged there are few blue-chip prospects in this year’s draft compared to upcoming classes.
The Eagles have already made several moves to strengthen their wide receiver options this offseason in anticipation of Brown moving on.
General manager Howie Roseman has signed Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore and traded for Dontayvion Wicks from the Green Bay Packers.
Brown, who in April 2024 signed a three-year, $96m extension with the Eagles, has been linked with a move away in recent months.
After joining from the Tennessee Titans in 2022, Brown won the Super Bowl with the Eagles at the end of the 2024 season.
But he has frequently cut an unhappy figure in Philadelphia and last year’s frustrating offense under coordinator Kevin Patullo led to several outbursts.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is keen to add more offensive weapons for quarterback Drake Maye as they aim to return to the Super Bowl next season.
Vrabel previously coached Brown with the Titans and is believed to be extremely interested in a reunion.
