It wouldn't be another day of the 2026 offseason if the Patriots weren't somehow connected to wide receiver AJ Brown, and Mike Vrabel just made sure that conversation would be happening again this week.
While speaking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon at the NFL Combine, the Patriots head coach discussed his continued relationship with the current Eagles playmaker, sharing that they still speak frequently, as they talk about life and other things.
This adds more fuel to the ongoing conversation about New England's possible interest in pulling off a blockbuster trade for Brown, something they have consistently been considered the best fit for over the last few years. It only heightened once Vrabel became their head coach last year.
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel on his relationship with Eagles WR AJ Brown:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) February 25, 2026
“It has meant a lot. I’ve watched him grow, I’ve watched him mature. I’m proud of him… That has nothing to do with where he plays or where he played… We reach out and text each other…”
(🎥 @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/JM43TE4cv0
Although he doesn't say anything about the Patriots making the move to get Brown in the door, answering any questions about him and their ongoing friendship certainly doesn't end the discussion about potentially making it happen.
The AJ Brown to the Patriots pipeline continues to be a hot topic in New England
Eliot Wolf was at the podium on Monday morning to answer questions about the Patriots' offseason plan, and he emphasized their desire to add more talent to the roster, including a clear WR1.
Looking at the pending free agents, there are very few that would fit into that category, so there has been a growing belief that if they want to get that caliber of playmaker, they might have to pull out all the stops and make a big-time trade.
Brown has been at the top of the list for the last few years, as his frustrations with the Eagles have been on full display, and his admiration for Vrabel hasn't been kept secret. That puts the Patriots in the best possible position to get a deal done soon, especially now that they have a low first-round pick, if that's the asking price.
It's a bit steep for a player of his age and injury history, but they also have a solid spot in the second-round to offer that instead.
Regardless, it looks like the interest might be mutual, and there are no hard feelings from Brown about being traded from the Titans when Vrabel was the head coach. So it will be interesting to see if the Patriots make a move, especially since they continue to fuel the conversation rather than shutting it down.