Well, it was fun while it lasted.
For a few fleeting moments, New England Patriots fans dared to dream. A.J. Brown in Foxborough. Drake Maye finally getting the alpha wideout this offense has been missing since the glory days of Randy Moss. A reunion with Mike Vrabel. It felt bold, dramatic—and maybe just crazy enough to work.
The buzz started with a cryptic tweet from Patriots radio analyst Paul “Fitzy” Fitzgerald. He suggested that if Penn State edge Abdul Carter was still on the board at No. 4, the Eagles could place a call to New England. The subtext was clear: A.J. Brown might be in play. After all, Brown has never hidden his love for the Patriots or his respect for Vrabel. And if Philly believed Carter was their next Micah Parsons? Maybe, just maybe, they’d make a deal.
Turns out, they won’t.
Patriots' A.J. Brown trade speculation hits brick wall
That dream got squashed the moment Adam Schefter stepped in to bring everyone back to reality:
“Contrary to internet speculation, the Eagles are not trading A.J. Brown,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday. “The star wide receiver signed a three-year extension a year ago this week.”
So much for that. While the theory had some merit—Brown’s contract, Philly’s potential interest in a blue-chip pass rusher, his connection to Vrabel—it was always more fantasy than fact. Brown is still just 27, coming off another 1,000-yard season, and played a pivotal role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run. He’s a franchise cornerstone, not trade bait.
From a Patriots perspective, though, the fit was undeniable. Brown would’ve brought instant credibility to an offense starving for playmakers. Even after bringing in Stefon Diggs, New England’s receiver room still lacks a long-term No. 1. Brown could’ve changed the entire offensive ceiling.
Now, the focus shifts back to the draft—and the Patriots still have options. LSU tackle Will Campbell and Missouri’s Armand Membou are both strong candidates at No. 4, especially with the offensive line in desperate need of a rebuild. If they go the skill-position route, Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, Iowa State's Jayden Higgins, Utah State's Jalen Royals, and Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka could be intriguing receiver targets to grow alongside Maye.
Brown won't be walking through the door. But the draft is relatively deep. The Pats still hold nine picks, and the chance to reshape the offense—and the future—is still very much on the table. It just won’t include No. 11 anymore.