For months there was intense discussion about whether AJ Brown would leave the Philadelphia Eagles before the start of the new NFL season. It recently seemed only a matter of time that the wide receiver would leave the city of brotherly love. On Monday it became clear that the trade to the New England Patriots was probably perfect.
How ESPNInsider Adam Schefter reports that the New England Patriots are securing the services of AJ Brown, as expected. In return for the pass receiver, the Super Bowl participant is sending a first-round pick in the 2028 NFL Draft and a fifth-round selection for next year to the Philadelphia Eagles in Pennsylvania.
This makes the reunion of Brown and head coach Mike Vrabel, which has been hotly debated in recent weeks and months, perfect. The wide receiver and head coach know each other from their days together at the Tennessee Titans. It recently seemed only a matter of time that the 50-year-old would get his ex-protégé back.
New England Patriots: Brown’s contract prevented a previous trade
The Patriots would certainly have liked to get Brown from Philly sooner, but they had to wait until June 1st. The reason for the delay was the 28-year-old’s contract, which would have had dead money worth around $43.45 million in a trade for the Eagles if it had taken place before June 1st.
That would have meant a loss in the team’s cap space of just over $20 million, but could be avoided by waiting for the deadline. There is now just $16.35 million left for 2026, allowing the Eagles to save more than $7 million in cap space.
The Eagles had already hinted at a possible departure for Brown with their previous transactions; after all, they signed wide receivers Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore as well as Dontayvion Wicks via trade from the Green Bay Packers this offseason. Makai Lemon was also added in the draft.
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