Getty Images A.J. Brown
The New England Patriots are among multiple teams that have shown in interest in Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, whose off-field behavior late last season contributed to speculation surrounding his future with team, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
“Philadelphia has gotten inquiries on A.J. Brown,” Breer said, confirming during an April 18 appearance on “Arbella Early Edition” that the Patriots were one of the inquiring teams. “They have shut them all down and told other teams that he is not available.”
Observers have been speculating about the Patriots and Brown ever since he changed his X profile photo to an image of Tom Brady in a Patriots uniform.
But, according to Jordan Daly of NBC Sports Boston, “Patriots fans shouldn’t get excited about Brown’s profile pic change.”
.@AlbertBreer and @PhilAPerry react to the A.J. Brown speculation on social media today after he changed his avatar to a photo of Tom Brady
A.J. Brown’s Interesting Social Media Activity
Brown later explained in a post on X that he changed his profile picture as a tribute to Brady’s illustrious career after being inspired by watching “The Dynasty” documentary on Apple TV+. Brown, who grew up as a Patriots fan, emphasized that the change did not indicate any plans to leave the Eagles.
“TB12 is my favorite player ever,” Brown wrote in the tweet, which he has since deleted. “I watch the dynasty and it brought back some memories from my childhood.
“Go look up what he did in 2015 when he was doubted/ disrespected. Yeah I see the disrespect. Motivated … yes. That’s it. I Did not think changing my PFP (profile picture) to the greatest QB ever would cause controversy.”
The photo change wasn’t Brown’s only recent connection to the Patriots. He also recently followed New England quarterback Jacoby Brissett and wide receiver KJ Osborn on X, fueling speculation. While these actions may not hold significant meaning, they have fueled discussions among fans and analysts.
Despite the buzz, Brown is currently under contract with the Philadelphia Eagles until 2026, and they’ve stated they’re not even listening to offers on the star receiver. However, once he becomes a free agent, New England could emerge as a potential destination for the talented wide receiver. Until then, Brown remains focused on his role in Philadelphia.
The Patriots Passed on Brown in the 2019 Draft
In the 2019 NFL draft, the Patriots passed on the opportunity to select Brown, opting instead for Arizona State wide receiver N’Keal Harry with the final pick in the first round. The Tennessee Titans subsequently drafted Brown in the second round. After a trade, Brown found himself with the Eagles in 2022. An interview from 2020 revealed that Brown acknowledged shedding tears when the Patriots chose Harry over him in the draft.
Brown has flourished in his career, posting impressive numbers, including a career-high 106 receptions for 1,456 yards and 7 touchdowns in 17 games for the Eagles last season. The Patriots are still clearly looking for their No. 1 wide receiver option, and they have the draft capital to make a big move.
The Patriots’ de facto general manager, Eliot Wolf, acknowledged that the team still lacks a top-tier boundary receiver in a pre-draft press conference.