Patriots Reportedly Eyeing A.J. Brown Trade

Former Titans star could reunite with coach Mike Vrabel in New England

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The New England Patriots are reportedly considering trading for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. Brown played under current Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel during his first three NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans, and a reunion in New England could make sense as the Patriots look to bolster their receiving corps this offseason.

Why it matters

The Patriots' passing attack struggled at times in 2025, and adding a proven playmaker like Brown could provide a significant boost to their offense. Brown is a two-time Pro Bowler who has recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last four seasons.

The details

Brown is under contract with the Eagles for four more years, but there have been reports of him being unhappy in Philadelphia for much of the 2025 season. The Patriots would likely have to part with a high draft pick, potentially their first-rounder, to acquire Brown in a trade. However, the chance to reunite Brown with his former Titans coach Vrabel could make it an enticing move for both sides.

  • Brown has recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last four NFL seasons.

The players

A.J. Brown

A Pro Bowl wide receiver who has spent the last four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans.

Mike Vrabel

The current head coach of the New England Patriots, who previously coached Brown during his time with the Tennessee Titans.

Drake Maye

The Patriots' starting quarterback in 2025, who is coming off an MVP-caliber season despite lacking top receiving talent.

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What they’re saying

“You want someone who is trending up or draft somebody who can evolve into a top wideout. But teams aren't usually jumping at the chance to trade a young, promising wide receiver, so the Patriots may have to take what they can get, whether that's via trade, free agency or in the draft.”

— Scott Pianowski, Yahoo Sports Analyst (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Patriots will need to determine if the cost of acquiring Brown in a trade is worth the potential boost he could provide to their passing attack. Negotiations between the two teams will likely ramp up in the coming weeks as the offseason gets underway.

The takeaway

Adding a proven playmaker like A.J. Brown could be a game-changing move for the Patriots as they look to bounce back from their Super Bowl loss and reclaim their spot among the AFC's elite teams. However, the price tag may be steep, and the Patriots will have to weigh the potential risks and rewards of such a high-profile trade.