Pundits continue to expect the New England Patriots to land A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in a June trade. But with roughly another month to wait for the calendar to reach June 1, analysts have explored what could happen if a Patriots-Eagles trade involving Brown doesn’t happen.
Should it not occur, NESN’s Aaliyan Mohammed argued a former All-Pro wideout should immediately become New England’s next target — Tyreek Hill.
“Hill is an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro. He led the league in receiving yards in 2023, but is coming off a major leg injury,” wrote Mohammed. “Hill posted 3,509 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns in his first two years in Miami.
“However, in 2024, Tua Tagovailoa’s inability to play consistently and stay healthy hurt Hill’s numbers.”
Mohammed sees Hill as a great pair with New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye because of Maye’s deep ball. The NESN analyst made that argument despite Hill suffering a dislocated knee and torn ACL in his left knee last season.
“Hill is one of the fastest players in the league. A leg injury like his could have permanent effects on his speed, significantly dampening his impact,” added Mohammed. “However, he may be willing to sign on a short-term deal to prove his worth again. He is still available and could do some real damage with Drake Maye as his trigger man.”
Why Tyreek Hill Could Fit With the Patriots
New England pursuing Hill is an intriguing alternative to Brown. In his prime, few were better than the former Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins All-Pro.
In 2023, Hill led the league with 1,799 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. That campaign was his fifth first-team All-Pro season.
Since then, though, Hill has dealt with injuries. Not only did he suffer a serious knee ailment in 2025, he played through a wrist issue in 2024.
The Dolphins released Hill this offseason.
If healthy, perhaps Hill could return to form. The Patriots would be wise, though, to see how much speed Hill still has at 32 years old.
Knee injury aside, speed receivers begin to decline at that age.
Yes, former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa didn’t do him any favors. But Hill has averaged just 58.3 receiving yards per game in his past 21 contests. He posted almost double that amount per contest in 2023.
Acquiring Hill for short-term production would be a similar move to the Patriots adding Stefon Diggs last offseason. Diggs led New England in receiving yardage on its way to the Super Bowl last year.
Will A.J. Brown Trade to Patriots Fall Through?
In all likelihood, the Patriots aren’t going to have to pursue other receiver options. It still seems quite probable that New England acquires Brown from the Eagles.
But there’s more doubt with the trade than before the 2026 NFL Draft.
“As one team source pointed out, the Patriots have nothing binding with the Philadelphia Eagles and A.J. Brown. No firm agreement is in place,” wrote ESPN’s Fowler on April 29. “Now, could there be a wink-wink understanding? Certainly.
“But New England was free to make a move for a receiver, and it was on its radar in the first two rounds.”
In the same article, Fowler added that the Patriots nearly traded up in the first round to select receiver KC Concepcion. It’s possible with such a move, New England would have ended any pursuit for Brown or free agent receivers.
Now, the move didn’t happen. But it’s perhaps an indication that Brown going to New England isn’t a foregone conclusion.
Patriots Urged to Pursue Former All-Pro If Forced to Pivot From A.J. Brown