New A.J. Brown Rumors Reveal Timeline for Patriots Trade and Eagles' Stance on Greenard, Draft Picks

Veteran wide receiver A.J. Brown is trending toward a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles to the New England Patriots. It's just not happening soon.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday that a deal "is still on the table and still tracking to happen on or after June 1":

"All the elements remain in place to make it happen, and Brown to the Patriots is still the likely outcome ... just not during this week's draft, per sources. Put the trade on hold just for now, but things will soon quickly warm back up. The Eagles remain open to trading Brown, the Patriots remain highly interested in acquiring the star receiver, and conversations are expected to resume shortly on or before June 1, probably culminating in a deal, per league sources."

The Eagles could be active before that.

According to Schefter, Philly is interested in Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard, though he noted "talks have lost steam in recent weeks."

Minnesota is looking to get back a good Day 2 draft selection for Greenard, and that's an asking price the Eagles could match. They hold the 54th, 68th and 98th overall picks.

Greenard was limited to 12 appearances in 2025 and finished with 38 tackles, three sacks and 10 tackles for loss. The fact the 2024 Pro Bowler is on the trade block says more about Minnesota's cap crunch than his on-field value, though.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has built a lot of the current roster through the draft, but he isn't afraid to pay for proven talent. Greenard would give the defense the edge-rusher it needs.

Meanwhile, Brown and the team are effectively in a holding pattern because of his contract.

Trading the three-time Pro Bowler now would be advantageous from the standpoint that Philadelphia could immediately use some of the draft capital it got back from the swap.

However, any trade before June 1 would trigger a $43.2 million dead cap hit and lessen the team's cap space by $20.1 million.

By waiting until the summer, the Eagles can spread the dead money across 2026 ($16.4 million) and 2027 ($27.2 million) along with saving $7 million against the cap.

How Roseman and coach Nick Sirianni approach the draft could tip their hands as to whether Brown will actually exit. If Philly uses a Day 1 or early Day 2 pick on a wideout, then that will speak volumes.

The same logic applies to the Patriots, who could still use a true WR1 after signing Romeo Doubs. Should New England decline to add an impact receiver through the draft, it will only strengthen the notion that coach Mike Vrabel is planning on a reunion with Brown.