AJ Brown joins New England Patriots in trade with Eagles
The New England Patriots completed a trade on June 1, 2026 to acquire star wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. The deal sent a 2028 first‑round draft pick and a 2027 fifth‑round pick to Philadelphia. Brown, 29, is a three‑time Pro Bowler who recorded 5,034 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns in four seasons with the Eagles, including a Super Bowl win in the 2024 season.
The trade reunites Brown with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who coached him in Tennessee, and gives quarterback Drake Maye a premier receiver as New England looks to improve its offense. The Eagles shed $133 million in cash and spread $43 million in dead‑money across 2026‑27, while gaining valuable draft capital.
Brown thanked the Eagles on social media, called the Patriots his favorite team growing up, and expressed excitement about the move. Patriots teammates and coaches praised the acquisition, noting his talent and leadership. Analysts graded the trade as a solid win for both clubs, with the Patriots paying a premium for an elite receiver but gaining a potential game‑changing weapon.