With just under two weeks until free agency begins for the 2026 offseason, we're finally starting to get a better grasp on who the Patriots might be targeting to sign, and even in trades. At the top of the list for another year is wide receiver AJ Brown, with his connection to Mike Vrabel making him a top prospect in the eyes of fans who have longed for a receiver of his caliber for a long time.
Given his subtle cues to the media, along with Vrabel's, there has been a lot of talk about the inevitable trade happening this offseason, and the Eagles brass have appeared to send mixed signals regarding Brown's availability.
That remained true during the week of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, but there is still a strong impression that they haven't ruled out trading him for the right price, which is now being considered egregious.
And because of that, it looks like the Patriots' hopes of getting Brown in the door, maybe even pairing him with Stefon Diggs, have already gone up in smoke before having a serious conversation.
It might be time for the Patriots to move on from the idea of trading for AJ Brown
According to the Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed, New England has inquired about a trade for Brown, as they want to upgrade the offense for Drake Maye in 2026, especially the receiving corps, but Philadelphia's current asking price is considered "unserious."
There were fears that they would entertain trade conversations but would demand a significant return, and now that it appears to be the case, it might be time for the Patriots to turn their attention to other possible wide receiver trades.
"The Patriots have explored trade talks involving Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown, but feel the current asking price is unserious, according to one source.
Several league sources believe Brown could nonetheless be dealt, and the return could be a step above what the Seahawks received when they traded D.K. Metcalf and a sixth-round pick to Pittsburgh last year for a second-rounder at 52nd overall and a seventh-round pick."
If the trade were similar to what the Steelers gave up for D.K. Metcalf, this would be a different conversation, but the implication that the Eagles want more than that means the Patriots have no reason to inquire further until they lower their price tag.
Giving up that kind of draft capital for an aging player with apparent knee problems would be devastating for a team wanting to assemble a young roster to grow and develop together, no matter how incredible it would be to add Brown to the offense.
They'll have to look at other possible wide receiver trades, which could be for players like D.J. Moore, George Pickens, or Brian Thomas Jr., all of whom are younger and have dealt with virtually no injuries throughout their careers; therefore, they appear to be much more viable candidates to pursue.
Those players will be far more worth their time, especially since the Eagles are known for playing hardball with trades of this magnitude.