For most of the offseason, the rumors connecting the Patriots and the Eagles to an AJ Brown trade have been consistent, aside from a couple of speed bumps that apparently had the Rams nearing a blockbuster trade deal. Now that the draft is over, those rumors have been unwavering, with a clear date in mind for an agreement.
Based on how the Patriots handled their draft selections, not taking a wide receiver until signing a few as undrafted free agents, it seems beyond clear that they expect Brown to be part of their roster for the 2026 season.
But there is another option for them to consider that not many people are talking about, and with the latest batch of odd movements by the Cowboys, it looks like the Patriots could have a good shot at landing their next WR1 if they made a serious push for a deal.
Cowboys run into a dilemma with George Pickens not signing his franchise tag
George Pickens was supposed to sign his franchise tag during the draft, according to NFL insiders, and most believed that meant a trade was inevitable. That didn't happen, and instead, the Cowboys signed another receiver and have yet to see Pickens sign the franchise tag.
That had NFL insider Adam Schefter chime in on the situation during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, in a now-deleted video from the episode, where he revealed that the wide receiver "wants a long-term contract, or he would like a trade."
The problem is that the Cowboys have also been "very clear that they're aren't gonna give him a long-term contract." That's a big problem for Pickens, and the Cowboys would be smart to listen to trade calls, including an offer from the Patriots.
"George Pickens has not yet signed the franchise tag..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 27, 2026
The plan is still for him to sign it..
I was told it was draft weekend and signing the franchise tag wasn't the first thing on his mind"@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/EUlDWqlcHp
They look well on their way to the inevitable situation that forces them to trade Pickens to end the holdout and get something in return rather than dealing with a situation with no end in sight and watching him walk in free agency for nothing.
The Patriots have every reason to get on the phone about a deal because they still need a WR1, and there's still a chance that the Eagles won't hold true to their word and send Brown to them in June.
Pickens has proven he can be exactly what the Patriots need, particularly during the 2025 season when he logged 92 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. At just 25 years old with no long-term injury issues, he's someone who could grow with Drake Maye for a long time and make the offense a legitimate threat once again.
It is something that the Patriots should, at the very least, consider, especially if the desired return is similar to what they're willing to send Philadelphia for Brown.
They could get a younger, more explosive option who can be an integral part of their offense for much longer, and that is a big reason not to ignore what's going on in Dallas.
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