Patriots Reportedly Offer Second-Round Pick for Eagles' A.J. Brown

New England unwilling to part with first-round selection for star wide receiver

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:05pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp geometric shapes in navy blue, red, and white overlapping to create a dynamic, multi-perspective visual.A trade for star wide receiver A.J. Brown could reshape the Patriots' offense and the NFL landscape.Boston Today

The New England Patriots are considered the frontrunners to acquire star wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles, but the two teams may be at an impasse over trade compensation. Reports indicate the Patriots are only willing to offer a second-round draft pick for Brown, well below the Eagles' reported asking price of a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and a player.

Why it matters

The Patriots are in need of a top-tier wide receiver to complement their young quarterback Mac Jones, and landing Brown would be a significant coup. However, the Eagles are in a strong negotiating position as the only known suitor, and may be unwilling to accept a second-round pick for the 29-year-old Pro Bowler.

The details

According to reports, the Patriots have told the Eagles they are 'around a second-round draft pick' in their trade discussions for A.J. Brown. This is well below the Eagles' initial asking price, which was reported to be a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and a player. The Patriots are reportedly unwilling to part with a first-round selection in 2027, as they are unsure of where that pick will fall. Brown is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is coming off a season in which he had 78 catches for 1,003 yards and 7 touchdowns.

  • The Patriots and Eagles have been engaged in trade talks regarding A.J. Brown this offseason.
  • Brown is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2023.

The players

A.J. Brown

A 29-year-old wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, who is considered one of the top pass-catchers in the NFL.

Mac Jones

The New England Patriots' young starting quarterback, who is entering his third season in the NFL.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the Tennessee Titans, where A.J. Brown played earlier in his career.

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What they’re saying

“To me, a second-round pick makes much more sense because there is no shot that the Patriots should be willing to give up their first-rounder next year, because you have no idea where that thing's gonna be. That is way too risky to give away that pick.”

— Phil Perry, Longtime Patriots reporter

“(The Eagles) have found themselves in a difficult spot where they're probably going to have to take less because everybody knows he's not long for Philadelphia. Not only that, but he is 29 years old. He does have some knee issues that, I think, are a real concern.”

— Phil Perry, Longtime Patriots reporter

What’s next

The Patriots and Eagles will likely continue trade negotiations, with the Eagles potentially lowering their asking price as the offseason progresses. The timing of any potential trade could also be impacted by Brown's contract situation, as the Eagles would save significant salary cap space by trading him after June 1.

The takeaway

This trade standoff highlights the delicate balance teams must strike when negotiating high-profile player transactions. The Patriots are unwilling to part with a premium draft pick for Brown, while the Eagles may be forced to accept less than their initial asking price due to the limited market for the star receiver. The outcome could have major implications for both teams' 2023 season plans.