New England Patriots edge closer to A.J. Brown trade

The New England Patriots are in advanced talks to acquire wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. Sources say the Patriots remain "confident" they can finalize the deal after the June 1 cap‑space deadline, which would allow the Eagles to spread Brown’s $40 million salary over two years.

Eagles officials have asked for a first‑round draft pick, but Patriots executives have pushed back, stating they are not willing to surrender a first‑rounder. Analyst John Middlekauff noted, "Howie wants a first‑round pick. The Patriots are not willing to offer a first‑round pick." ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported, "We're getting really close here, and I was told the Patriots remain confident that they can get this deal done."

The trade is viewed as a crucial move for New England after a recent Super Bowl appearance and the loss of former top receiver Stefon Diggs. Adding Brown would give rookie quarterback Drake Maye a premier target, addressing a key need in the Patriots’ offense. Negotiations are expected to conclude in the first week of June, pending agreement on the exact draft‑pick terms.