The New England Patriots have been connected to a potential blockbuster trade for Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown all offseason long.
While the rumors have continued following the 2026 NFL Draft, the team seemingly wanted to make a move that would have likely ended the Brown rumors. They wanted to draft a wide receiver in the first round.
According to a report from ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots wanted to draft Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion. Unfortunately, he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns before New England had a chance to take him.
“Eventual No. 24 pick KC Concepcion was a hot name,” Fowler wrote. “Had he slipped past Cleveland, New England was believed to be one of many teams that thought highly of him.”
Concepcion would have been a dynamic weapon for Drake Maye. That being said, he’s now a member of the Browns and the Patriots still would like to add Brown.
What’s the Latest on the A.J. Brown to Patriots Trade Rumors?
Many reporters and insiders have continued believing that New England will be able to find a way to acquire Brown from the Eagles this offseason. The overwhelming belief is that a trade would materialize around June 1.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter recently shared his opinion on the matter.
“The Eagles remain open to trading AJ Brown, the Patriots remain highly interested in acquiring the star receiver, and conversations are expected to resume shortly on or before June 1, likely culminating in a deal, per league sources,” Schefter said.
Schefter has hinted that a deal for Brown wouold likely cost the Patriots a 2028 first-round pick.
“The Patriots want AJ Brown and the Eagles are willing to move on from AJ Brown. I expect that this trade will come together on June 1…it’s not gonna be hard to get it done. I believe in the end it will involve a future 1st round draft pick, my guess is a 1 in 2028.”
KC Concepcion Would Have Been an Excellent Addition
If New England had pulled the trigger on drafting Concepcion in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the team would have gotten an explosive playmaker.
During the 2025 college football season with the Aggies, Concepcion racked up 61 catches for 919 yards and nine touchdowns. Even at 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he would have been exactly the kind of playmaker Maye needed to round out the offense.
Concepcion now projects to be a year one starter in Cleveland.
Fans should expect to hear the Patriots heavily involved in the NFL rumor mill. The Brown rumors are not going anywhere anytime soon. It will be interesting to see if New England is able to work out a deal with Philadelphia.
Report: Patriots Considered Move That Would’ve Ended A.J. Brown Talks