The AJ Brown-to-the-Patriots conversation has only heated up as the offseason has continued, and it has now reached a point where even New England players are starting to chime in.
Whether it's Christian Gonzalez retweeting the clip from Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski's podcast of Brown winking at the idea of being a Patriot, to now Kevin Byard hoping the latest breaking news is the announcement of a trade, it's clear it's not just the fans who want to see a deal done.
That was something NFL insider Jordan Schultz shared during his recent interview with Byard, in which they discussed Byard's decision to sign with the Patriots in free agency. Schultz shared an unseen clip from the interview in which he had breaking news to cover, and Byard hoped it was about Brown.
Instead, it was news of wide receiver Christian Kirk signing with the 49ers, but Byard's anxiousness over it possibly being a trade announcement was certainly felt by every Patriots fan holding out hope it will still happen.
Even players are aware that AJ Brown will eventually be traded to the #Patriots…
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) March 19, 2026
Jordan Schultz: “Christian Kirk’s going to the Niners.”
Kevin Byard: “I was hoping you was abouta say AJ Brown’s getting traded to New England.”
(🎥 @Schultz_Report)pic.twitter.com/bPWYMrXhxX
The Patriots' newest safety made his feelings even clearer when he was seen working out with Brown on social media later that day, further fueling speculation that the wide receiver will be traded to the Patriots; it's only a matter of time.
Patriots players have made it apparent that they want to see AJ Brown on the team
The latest trade rumors have reached new heights following photos of Brown and Byard training together. Although players from different teams do that often, it doesn't feel like a coincidence that these two were together, especially seeing the clip from Schultz's podcast.
It has prompted many to believe that the Eagles and Patriots have a handshake agreement in place that won't become official until June 1, which would presumably involve draft picks in 2027, but we won't know until an announcement is made.
Until then, the conversation likely won't stop connecting Brown and New England, especially if they don't sign any other receivers or take any higher in next month's draft.
That would essentially become the only acceptable move, because the offense needs upgrades in the receiving corps. If they actively choose not to do that, Drake Maye is going to be in a much worse situation in 2026, and that's far from ideal.