The New England Patriots have significant needs in Phase II of their rebuild this offseason. Positions of need include offensive tackle, guard, and the edge. Another position in need is tight end. Wide receiver is still an issue that may get worse if Stefon Diggs is a salary-cap casualty.
Fox Sports has seen the Eagles as a good fit for free-agent receiver Romeo Doubs, and if they sign him, it could be an opportunity calling for the Patriots to trade for the Eagles' receiver, A.J. Brown.
Though Diggs was the Patriots' leading 2025 receiver with 85 catches for 1013 yards and four touchdowns, his situation is tenuous. The 11-year veteran will turn 33 this November and has loads of miles on the treads. Even more importantly, cutting Diggs could save $16.8M on the cap that could be spent on a younger wideout or elsewhere.
Mike Vrabel will have a tricky decision on his hands with Diggs. He has no true No. 2 behind him and no No. 1 on the horizon either. If he's available, Vrabel can roll out the draft picks and make a move for a receiver like A.J. Brown, who's been the apple of Patriot Nation's eyes for years. Diggs off-field issues will make letting him go easier for Vrabel, who has shown little tolerance for any distractions.
MIke Vrabel should seriously consider a move for A.J. Brown
If Mike Vrabel decides to cut ties with Diggs, one option that may present itself could come as a result of a predicted Eagles free agency signing of the Packers' receiver Romeo Doubs.
Fox Sports' analysis of where the top 100 free agents may fit could affect the Patriots' potential trade for Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown.
"Doubs, 25, has had steady mid-level production in Green Bay, averaging 50 catches, 600 yards and five touchdowns a year in his four seasons there. He stepped up in the playoff loss with eight catches for 124 yards and a score — finding value in a No. 2 receiver can be tough, and he's likely to come in the $12-15 million range, above the $11 million extension Christian Watson signed for last year.
By Pro Football Reference's "Approximate Value" metric, the top two picks of the 2022 fourth round were both Packers, in Doubs and tackle Zach Tom, already signed to a nice extension."
Brown will turn 29 this year. He's a seven-year NFL veteran who spent three years with Mike Vrabel in Tennessee. He's broken the 1000-yard receiving mark six times in his seven-year career, including two with Vrabel in 2019 and 2020. He and Vrabel know each other very well.
If the Eagles sign a wide receiver, Mike Vrabel should move for A.J. Brown
Free agency may help dictate how Mike Vrabel approaches the wide receiver position. If the Eagles sign Doubs or another wideout, the door may be open to an approach for Brown and a separation from Diggs, given his big salary cap hit and his other issues.
Brown is a well-thought-of big receiver at 6'1", and 226 pounds who's scored 56 touchdowns in his seven NFL seasons. He'd immediately step into the No. 1 receiver role if Diggs is released. He'd be a great addition for Drake Maye if things work out and he's available.
The key to the whole business, if it eventuates as Fox Sports suggests, is the cost in draft and/or other capital.
Vrabel has limited draft capital to spend. He needs upgrades at offensive tackle and guard, and also needs to beef up his sack-producing edge players, among other needs. The team surrendered far too many sacks and produced way too few in 2025. It ultimately cost them the Lombardi trophy.
Yet, if Stefon Diggs is released, Brown would be a great option, depending on how high the cost in draft picks and maybe players, e.g., guard Mike Onwenu or receiver Pop Douglas, will be. These are Mike Vrabel's tough decisions, and why he makes the big bucks. They're also what make the offseason so fascinating and important for NFL teams.