It certainly looks like A.J. Brown is headed to New England, and he won’t be coming cheap.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday on “The Pat McAfee Show” that the Patriots are still locked in on trading for Brown and the expectation is they will acquire him in return for a first-round pick after June 1.
“The Patriots want A.J. Brown, and the Eagles are willing to move on from A.J. Brown. I expect that this trade will come together on June 1,” Schefter said. “It’s not gonna be hard to get it done … I believe in the end it will involve a future first-round draft pick, my guess is a (first-rounder) in 2028.”
The distinction that the draft pick will be in 2028 is important, as 2027 draft picks are being treated like gold around the league, with no firsts being traded on draft day last week.
The Eagles had previously been playing it coy when discussing Brown’s future, refusing to say he’s available, but they were reportedly taking offers behind the scenes.
Brown would immediately slot in as the No. 1 receiver for New England, while Kayshon Boutte will fall behind him in the depth chart as an outside receiver.
The Patriots also signed Romeo Doubs in free agency as they look to bolster their playmaking group.
Coach Mike Vrabel’s group bolstered its protection for quarterback Drake Maye when it traded up to No. 28 to select offensive tackle Caleb Lomu.
They also selected Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon in the third round.
