Patriots Still Must Explore AJ Brown Trade Amid Romeo Doubs Contract, NFL Rumors

Coming off of a humbling return to the Super Bowl, in which they were trashed by eventual champions the Seattle Seahawks, the New England Patriots have made a point of upgrading the wide receiver position in hopes of giving league MVP runner-up Drake Maye adequate weapons.

They released Stefon Diggs and, on Tuesday, signed free agent Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $80 million deal. While Doubs has flashed moments of elite-level play, he has never had more than 55 receptions in a given season, nor has he achieved 800 yards or double-digit touchdowns.

The Patriots need a top-tier, game-changing wide receiver and they may still get him in the form of a trade for Philadelphia's AJ Brown.

NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported that the Pats remain the most interested in trading for Brown.

NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that the Eagles may be willing to take 2027 first-round and 2026 second-round picks to get the deal done, with the idea being that next year's draft is stronger.

While a first rounder may seem like a lot to we give up for a Patriots team that still needs help on the offensive line and could use an edge rusher or two, acquiring Brown would fill a sizable need.

The veteran wide out is coming off of another 1,000-yard season and while it was a down one in most all measurable statistics, a frustratingly average Eagles offense and growing frustration with the coaching staff and/or quarterback Jalen Hurts likely affected his output.

Still, as witnessed numerous times in 2025, Brown can still take over games and help lead his team to victory. Look no further than a Week 3 victory over eventual NFL Championship runners-up the Los Angeles Rams, when he caught six balls for 109 yards and a touchdown.

Throw in his history with head coach Mike Vrabel, who drafted him in 2019, and you have a familiarity with the receiver that should make his acquisition a slam dunk front office decision.

With Doubs and Kayshon Boutte, the Patriots have already established a one-two punch that will help Maye continue his evolution into an elite NFL quarterback and restore his confidence following a devastating Super Bowl performance.

Adding Brown, an explosive big man with great hands and the ability to make contested catches, who can also get open under the most stifling pressure, would be the piece needed to reaffirm the Patriots' repeat run as AFC champions and improve their Super Bowl odds.