Patriots Linked to $96 Million Eagles WR in Potential Monster Trade

New England may have to pay a steep price to acquire A.J. Brown from Philadelphia.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The New England Patriots have been connected to a potential trade for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, who recently signed a lucrative 3-year, $96 million contract extension. However, the Eagles are reportedly seeking a steep asking price of a 1st and 2nd round draft pick in exchange for Brown, which could be a significant cost for the Patriots to acquire the star wideout.

Why it matters

The Patriots are in need of a top receiving threat after releasing Stefon Diggs due to salary cap constraints. Adding Brown would give young quarterback Drake Maye a true No. 1 option in the passing game, but the high trade price could limit New England's ability to address other roster needs this offseason.

The details

The Patriots have around $44 million in salary cap space to work with, which should allow them to absorb Brown's contract. However, the reported asking price of a 1st and 2nd round pick is steep, as the Patriots own the 31st overall pick in the 1st round and the 63rd selection in the 2nd round. New England may try to spread out the draft compensation by including a 2nd round pick in 2027 instead.

  • The NFL's free agency negotiation period begins on March 11, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for late April 2026.

The players

A.J. Brown

A Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles who recently signed a 3-year, $96 million contract extension.

Drake Maye

The young starting quarterback for the New England Patriots.

Stefon Diggs

A star wide receiver who was released by the Patriots due to salary cap constraints after just one season with the team.

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What they’re saying

“The Philadelphia Eagles are worth watching for reasons beyond A.J. Brown. Philly is asking for a steep price for Brown -- one executive said it wants a first- and second-round pick for him. Perhaps that changes. New England is in the mix.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Patriots will need to decide if they are willing to meet the Eagles' reported asking price of a 1st and 2nd round pick in order to acquire A.J. Brown. This decision will likely need to be made during the free agency negotiation period that begins on March 11, 2026.

The takeaway

The potential trade for A.J. Brown represents a high-stakes gamble for the Patriots, who must weigh the benefits of adding an elite wide receiver against the significant draft capital required to land him. New England's ability to address other roster needs could hinge on their willingness to meet Philadelphia's steep asking price.