Bill Simmons Takes Hard Stance On Patriots-A.J. Brown Trade Rumors

Analyst says New England should focus on signing Alec Pierce instead of trading for A.J. Brown

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Bill Simmons, a prominent sports analyst, has voiced his opposition to the New England Patriots trading for wide receiver A.J. Brown. Simmons believes the Patriots would be better off signing Alec Pierce from the Indianapolis Colts in free agency and keeping their first-round draft pick, rather than acquiring the more expensive and drama-prone Brown.

Why it matters

The Patriots are in need of a new top wide receiver after releasing Stefon Diggs, and A.J. Brown has been heavily linked to them in trade rumors. However, Simmons argues that Brown's declining production and history of drama make him a risky acquisition, and that the younger and cheaper Pierce could be a better fit for the team.

The details

Simmons said he would rather see the Patriots overpay Pierce in free agency, who is projected to receive around four years and $100 million, and keep their first-round draft pick. At 25, Pierce is three years younger than Brown and has shown steady improvement, nearly doubling his receiving yards from 514 to 1,003 over the last two seasons. Meanwhile, Brown's receiving yards have declined in three straight seasons, raising concerns about his future production.

  • NFL free agency starts next week

The players

Bill Simmons

A prominent sports analyst and host of "The Bill Simmons Podcast".

A.J. Brown

A wide receiver who has been the subject of trade rumors involving the New England Patriots.

Alec Pierce

A wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who is projected to receive a lucrative free agent contract this offseason.

Stefon Diggs

A wide receiver who was recently released by the New England Patriots.

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What they’re saying

“I just don't think it's what they should do. I would much rather slightly overpay (Alec) Pierce from the Colts and keep my first-round pick.”

— Bill Simmons, Sports Analyst (The Bill Simmons Podcast)

“I think Pierce is really good...He was in a quarterback wasteland, and watching the Colts, that dude got open every game.”

— Bill Simmons, Sports Analyst (The Bill Simmons Podcast)

What’s next

NFL free agency starts next week, so time will tell if New England makes a push for Pierce.

The takeaway

Simmons' analysis highlights the potential risks of trading for A.J. Brown, who has shown declining production and a history of drama, versus the potential upside of signing the younger and cheaper Alec Pierce in free agency. The Patriots will have to weigh these factors as they look to replace Stefon Diggs and improve their receiving corps.