Eagles Reportedly Likely to Trade Star WR A.J. Brown to Patriots

Conversations between the two teams expected to resume around the post-June 1st designation timeline.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 11:49am by

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-motion, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color representing the dynamic action of the sport.A potential trade of star wide receiver A.J. Brown could reshape the offensive outlook for both the Eagles and Patriots.San Francisco Today

The Philadelphia Eagles are now more likely to trade star wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Discussions between the two teams are expected to pick up again around the post-June 1st designation timeline, with a deal considered likely to happen.

Why it matters

A.J. Brown has been one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL over the past few seasons, making this a significant potential trade that could reshape the offensive outlook for both the Eagles and Patriots. The move would also reunite Brown with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who previously coached him with the Tennessee Titans.

The details

Brown was more vocal about his dissatisfaction with his role in the Eagles' offense in 2025, despite the team going 11-6 and winning the NFC East. With new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion coming in, the Eagles seem open to potentially moving on from Brown, who is under contract through 2029. However, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni expressed confidence that Brown wants to remain in Philadelphia.

  • The Eagles and Patriots are expected to resume trade conversations around the post-June 1st designation timeline.
  • A trade of Brown would likely not happen until around June.

The players

A.J. Brown

A star wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles who has been one of the most productive players at his position over the past few seasons.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who previously coached A.J. Brown when he was with the Tennessee Titans.

Nick Sirianni

The head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, who expressed confidence that Brown wants to remain with the team.

Jalen Hurts

The starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Saquon Barkley

The running back for the Philadelphia Eagles who seems excited about the team's new offensive direction.

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What they’re saying

“The Eagles remain open to trading AJ Brown, the Patriots remain highly interested in acquiring the star receiver, and conversations are expected to resume shortly on or before June 1, likely culminating in a deal, per league sources.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter

“Yeah, my expectation is he wants to be here. And obviously, you want good players like that in your building. As Howie said, it's hard to get good players in this league. A.J.'s a great player and A.J. is a good teammate and A.J. is a good person. Does he want to be here? Yes. Do I want him to be here? Yes.”

— Nick Sirianni, Head Coach, Philadelphia Eagles

“Will A.J. be here next season? I think we're still in a spot, like, I can't guarantee how anything is going to play out into next season. I'm thinking I'm going to be the coach next season but you can't guarantee anything past tomorrow.”

— Nick Sirianni, Head Coach, Philadelphia Eagles

What’s next

The Eagles and Patriots are expected to resume trade conversations around the post-June 1st designation timeline, with a deal for A.J. Brown considered likely to happen at that point.

The takeaway

This potential trade of star wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Eagles to the Patriots would be a significant move that could reshape the offensive outlooks for both teams. It would also reunite Brown with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who previously coached him in Tennessee.