The New England Patriots reclaimed the AFC East title in 2025 after a half-decade hiatus during which the Bills reigned as champions.
While it was a massive step forward for an ascending Patriots squad during Mike Vrabel's first season and Drake Maye's sophomore year, it was also the worst Buffalo roster we've seen in years. Now, they have the 2026 offseason to reset under a new head coach in Joe Brady.
In a recent ESPN article, Pamela Maldonado cites the Bills acquiring A.J. Brown as her "big prediction" about the offseason/upcoming season. While it would be a disaster for the Patriots on multiple levels, it also makes plenty of sense for the Bills to pull the trigger.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Bills adding a superstar like Brown would make the AFC East a lot more difficult for the Patriots to win again, but it would also mean the Patriots would be unable to acquire Brown themselves.
Between Mike Vrabel drafting Brown out of Ole Miss back in 2019 and his being a Patriots fan growing up, New England should be a top destination for the star wideout.
The Bills acquiring A.J. Brown would be a major problem for the AFC East
The Bills' offense, while not as elite as it once was, is still one of the league's best. They're sure to be hurt by pending free agents this year, as two starting interior linemen, David Edwards and Connor McGovern, are set to hit the open market. Dawson Knox will likely have to take a paycut of be released.
Despite their potential losses, Josh Allen is a top-three quarterback in the league, and James Cook led the league in rushing. Dalton Kincaid and Khalil Shakir are solid offensive options, and while not true No. 1 pass catchers, they can both be high-volume contributors.
Adding Brown would give Allen a true No. 1 receiving option for the first time since Stefon Diggs' departure. Brown, Shakir, and Kincaid make for a solid trio with Cook in the backfield, while players like Tyrell Shavers and Jackson Hawes may be asked to step up from their previously minimal roles.
While Brown may not fix all of the Bills' offensive woes, he would solve a major issue: their lack of a clear-cut No. 1. The Patriots showed this season that a lack of investment in the receiver position can only get you so far (15 offensive PPG during the playoffs).
With the opportunity to add an elite receiver to an offensive cast that already features an MVP and the 2025's leading rusher, Patriots fans should be scared if the Bills can get their hands on the former Rebel.