A.J. Brown Trade to Patriots Pitched by Adam Schefter amid Eagles Rumors After Loss to 49ers

Wide receiver A.J. Brown was a key ingredient in the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl run in 2024, and the time may soon arrive for him to help another franchise take a big step forward.

The Eagles lost 23-19 to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Wild Card Round on Sunday, and the cold war between Brown and coach Nick Sirianni continued.

On the heels of the result, ESPN's Adam Schefter said the trade rumors surrounding the three-time Pro Bowler could reignite this offseason and floated a reunion with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

"I would think with an entire offseason, with the year they're coming off of, that'll be another name that comes up as a potential trade candidate this offseason," Schefter said on Get Up. "We could think of any number of homes, I think there was a coach who had him in Tennessee who probably would like to have him again in New England. That would be a logical conclusion to draw."

The NFL insider said "mass changes" are coming to the Philly offense, and that's expected to include a new offensive coordinator.

Eagles fans expressed their disappointment following the game, per Briana Smith of 6abc.com.

"This was a huge let down. This was my Christmas present, and I got a loss!" fan Sam Salvo said.

Brown also got called out by fan Ryan Barrett, "A.J. Brown drops that ball, and he's been complaining about getting the ball all year and what happens? When you throw it to him, he drops the ball."

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Siranni may be on shaky ground as well even though the Eagles are just one year removed from a title.

Kevin Patullo is the second time Sirianni has whiffed on an offensive coordinator hire after Brian Johnson lasted just one season in the role in 2023.

In addition, his clock management down the stretch against San Francisco was puzzling to say the least.

There's a scenario in which firing Patullo and perhaps even Sirianni is enough to get Brown broadly back on board and move on from all of the drama that lingered this season.

Moving on from the 28-year-old might be the right call regardless.

Brown's contract is only going to get more expensive, and even elite wideouts can see a steep decline as they get deeper into their 20s and move into their 30s. Now would be a good time for the Eagles to cash out and flip the decorated pass-catcher for draft picks.

If Brown does become available, then the Patriots are one of the more logical destinations. Franchise legend Rob Gronkowski lobbied for a move prior to the NFL's trade deadline:

Stefon Diggs had 1,013 receiving yards in 2025 but turned 32 in November. His peak years are behind him, and he isn't an ideal No. 1 target for a team with big aspirations.

There isn't a ton of depth behind Diggs, either. Tight end Hunter Henry was second on New England in yards (768). Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins combined (1,101 yards) to barely eclipse Diggs' output.

With quarterback Drake Maye still on his rookie contract, this is the time for New England to make marquee additions and acquire veterans on big contracts.

Whether the Pats focus on Brown or look to other targets, Vrabel and general manager Eliot Wolf could be aggressive in trying to build on the team's success this year.