This has been a foregone conclusion for quite some time. For months now, the speculation over whether the New England Patriots would wind up trading for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has grown into something bigger.
It is now way past simple speculation. At this stage, even the likes of NFL insider Adam Schefter believes this deal is going to get done. It isn't just Schefter, though. Even Brown's Eagles teammates have come to this conclusion.
In a recent interview, Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean talked about his relationship with Brown in a way that essentially tells us the wideout is as good as gone:
“We talk pretty often still. Obviously, he’s a great teammate, a great friend of mine. Nothing will change the way I feel about AJ. Obviously it’s a business and everybody has to do what’s best for them. I know whatever happens, he will always be a close friend of mine."
A.J. Brown's Eagles teammates are facing the reality that he's getting traded to the Patriots
After DeJean talked about this trade being purely business, he went on about his appreciation for what Brown has done for him:
"I’m going to miss just seeing him in the building, if he is gone. Just seeing him out on the practice field and talking trash, those are fun times. And just learning from him. He instilled confidence in me. That is something I will always appreciate.”
DeJean's words on Brown at least help calm any anxieties around acquiring the Pro Bowl wide receiver. Of course, Brown is going to bring an immense level of talent this offense has long needed. But, there are likely some out there who wonder whether his past issues with the Eagles would resurface in New England.
Whether it's as big of an issue or not, the instances of Brown being upset over targets is still a thing. Yet, DeJean's words at least prove that he can be a great leader and teammate.
There are always going to be little issues here and there. But, if Brown is truly the one player this team needs and can be "the guy," the Patriots have nothing to worry about. The Patriots' offense didn't have a single player who could be the alpha and absorb a hefty amount of targets — that's what Brown is going to bring.
DeJean's words not only cement the fact that Brown is going to be a Patriot, but they also let us know that he can be the true professional which has been in question at times.
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