New A.J. Brown Trade Rumors on 'Framework' of Eagles-Patriots Deal Ahead of June 1

The "framework" has been created for the Philadelphia Eagles to trade wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots on or after Monday, per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

"My understanding is the framework is in place for a trade to be made early next week that will make A.J. Brown a Patriot," Breer said on NBC Sports Boston's Early Edition (h/t Justin Leger of NBC Sports Boston). "The exact terms, the details, I still think there are some things to be worked out there. But I think it would sort of take someone backing out at this point, whether it's the Eagles or the Patriots, for it not to happen."

The key date remains June 1. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Brown's $40 million salary cap charge for 2026 could be split between 2026 and 2027 if he's traded on or after that date.

Schefter also reported that a Brown trade was "still on the table and still tracking to happen on or after June 1, per league sources."

Brown made it clear that he wasn't happy on multiple occasions last year, with the object being the Eagles' passing game in particular. Brown, who turns 29 on June 30, still notched his fourth 1,000-yard season with 78 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns.

However, one can guess that his time in Philadelphia may be winding down, especially after the Eagles drafted Makai Lemon, traded for Dontayvion Wicks and signed veterans Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore this offseason.

Meanwhile, the Pats need a No. 1 wideout after parting ways with wideout Stefon Diggs. Brown can absolutely be that answer and could mesh well with NFL MVP runner-up and quarterback Drake Maye. The Pats' offense was tremendous last year, ranking second in points scored en route to an AFC title.