The New England Patriots have more football ahead before all is said and done for the 2025 season with the playoffs, but offseason moves for 2026 aren’t that far away.
Landing a big-time wide receiver in A.J. Brown could be in the cards if Bleacher Report writer Alex Ballentine’s trade prediction comes to fruition. In his trade prediction, the Patriots receive Brown, a three-time Pro Bowler and three-time second team All-Pro, and send three draft picks to the Philadelphia Eagles. New England would give up a first-round and third-round pick in 2026 and a third-round pick in 2027.
“It’s no secret that A.J. Brown had an up-and-down year with the Philadelphia Eagles. He had seven games in which he had fewer than 50 receiving yards and barely eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark,” Ballentine wrote. “He didn’t hesitate to air his frustrations with the offense either.”
“All of that drama could lead to a trade, as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that league executives believe the Eagles could be looking to move Brown this offseason,” Ballentine added. “If so, there are plenty of teams that should be interested. Two of the most prominent ones are AFC East rivals in the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots. Both are contenders who could use Brown as their WR1.”
Ironically, the Bills are still in the playoffs, too, and the two AFC East rivals could be going at it this offseason for key additions. But first, the two could meet in the AFC Championship Game if both win their respective Divisional Round games this weekend.
Patriots Hold 1 Advantage Over Bills in Race For A.J. Brown
Regardless of how the postseason plays out, both the Patriots and Bills will look to field contending rosters again in 2026.
“That arms race could be a major offseason through line, but the Patriots have more resources to assemble the best offer for the Eagles receiver,” Ballentine wrote. “With 11 draft picks and $54 million in cap space, New England could comfortably come up with a package that would put Brown in pass-heavy offense with ascending quarterback Drake Maye.”
“The move would put pressure on other AFC contenders to get aggressive to keep up with the Pats while shifting the Eagles offense in Philly,” Ballentine concluded.
Brown had a solid 2025 season with 78 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns. He has four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, and Brown has scored at least seven touchdowns annually since 2022.
Eagles Cryptic on A.J. Brown’s Future
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman wouldn’t commit to Brown’s future, nor would the executive say the team will trade Brown this offseason.
“It is hard to find great players in the NFL, and A.J. is a great player,” Roseman told reporters on Thursday. “I think from my perspective, that’s what we’re going out and looking for when we go out there for free agency, in the draft, is trying to find great players who love football … that guy.”
Brown started his career with the Tennessee Titans as a second-round pick from Ole Miss in 2019. After three successful seasons in Nashville, the Titans traded Brown to the Eagles, where his career continued on a strong trajectory, though things have soured of late.
Patriots Predicted to Trade For 3-Time All-Pro Wide Receiver