New AJ Brown trade proposal might be the best deal for Patriots to make

A rumored trade for wide receiver AJ Brown is nearing, with a likely asking price of at least a future first-round pick. Patriots fans are concerned about the cost due to Brown’s age and knee issues that have deterred other teams. The Patriots still need a clear WR1, and acquiring that level of player is expected to require significant draft capital. One proposed deal adds a 2027 third-round pick to soften the impact of giving up a future first-rounder. A better version would shift the first-round pick to 2028, since next year’s draft is viewed as especially strong, but it is unclear whether the Eagles would accept that change. Brown has been the Eagles’ top receiver since joining in 2022.

"By all accounts, at the very least, a future first-round pick is the asking price, and maybe a mid-round pick or a player to entice the Eagles a bit more. For the most part, Patriots fans aren't exactly thrilled with the idea that such high draft capital will likely be required to get Brown in the door, mostly because of his age and rumored knee issues that have scared other teams away. However, on the other hand, the offense has long needed a clear cut WR1, and that's what it will cost to get that kind of player."

"There is a chance that the Eagles could sweeten the deal on their end, though, by including a mid-round pick to send back to New England. That's the idea that Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport listed in his new proposed trade, and it might be the best one we've seen so far this offseason. The Patriots probably won't get a better trade deal than this proposal for AJ Brown Because the Patriots are considered the front-runner to land Brown, with most analysts believing an unofficial deal has been agreed upon, they are the only team involved in any proposed trades for the receiver."

"That prompted Davenport to suggest the latest proposal to include a 2027 third-round pick, as well, and that might soften the blow of getting rid of their future first-rounder. The only thing that would make this deal better is if the future first-round pick were in 2028 instead, mostly because the consensus is that next year's draft is one of the best classes in recent years, so teams will want to hold onto their higher picks more than usual. That would put this deal over the top, but it's unclear if the Eagles would accept that at this point, especially since they're giving up quite a lot by moving on from Brown."

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