New A.J. Brown Trade Rumors on Patriots' Confidence, Timeline for Deal and Eagles Draft Picks

The much-discussed potential trade sending A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles to the New England Patriots reportedly could be approaching the finish line even though there is still some negotiating to be done.

"We're getting really close here, and I was told the Patriots remain confident that they can get this deal done," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday on SportsCenter. "When I checked with a source on trade terms, I was told that sides are 'working on it.' And so, after 4:01 p.m. ET tomorrow is when that time that we were waiting on; the Eagles can spread out that cap hit over two years instead of one. 

"So, the Patriots are hopeful that they can try to get a deal done shortly after that window opens, but they still have to agree. I'm told they have not been overly crazy about giving up a first-round pick, which is what Philly's kind of wanted all along here. So, they've got to find a sweet spot on the trade terms. Does it include maybe a conditional pick or maybe a pick going back to New England? That's what they're sorting through."

The NFL world has seemingly been waiting for June to arrive when it comes to this potential trade, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in April it was "tracking to happen on or after June 1" because Brown's $40 million salary cap charge could then be split between 2026 and 2027.

"Brown to the Patriots is still the likely outcome," he reported at the time.

The latest update comes after Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer appeared on Friday's Early Edition (h/t Justin Leger of NBC Sports Boston) and reported "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 cautioned there were still "some things to be worked out" but that a trade remains likely.

One look at the Eagles' offseason moves would suggest trading Brown is likely.

After all, they drafted Makai Lemon in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft and added notable secondary playmakers such as Dontayvion Wicks, Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and Elijah Moore to the wide receiver room.

With DeVonta Smith leading the way, that is still plenty of talent for Jalen Hurts to throw to in 2026 even if Brown is no longer on the roster. Focusing that much attention on the wide receiver position this offseason also wouldn't have made as much sense if a spot in the depth chart wasn't going to open up with a trade.

As for the Patriots, they are looking to take the next step after reaching last season's Super Bowl and need to replace Stefon Diggs, who led the team in receiving yards in 2025 but is a free agent this offseason.

Brown figures to be that replacement and will give quarterback Drake Maye a go-to option in the offense that otherwise wouldn't have been available without this possible trade.