It feels like the Patriots have been connected to an AJ Brown trade since the dawn of time, and this offseason is following that pattern. Although the Eagles haven't explicitly stated that he was available or that they were even seriously listening to any offers, especially since their alleged asking price is considered outrageous, the feeling within the NFL is that it's only a matter of time before the receiver reunites with Mike Vrabel.
Most insiders have suggested it is likely to become a reality only after the June 1 deadline, as the Eagles would save a lot in dead cap by waiting until the summer. That would certainly work for the Patriots since that would allow them to trade a 2027 draft pick instead.
But they might run into an unexpected speedbump that could create a problem with their plan.
According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Rams are another team paying close attention to Brown's availability. Despite already rostering top receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, apparently, quarterback Matthew Stafford needs even more help, which has his team interested in Brown.
A.J. Brown trade discussions are not dead.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 13, 2026
Last week, I was told the Rams discussed trading for Eagles WR A.J. Brown before dealing for CB Trent McDuffie.
Dialogue slowed, but Los Angeles continues to monitor the status of the three-time Pro Bowler with interest. We’ll see… pic.twitter.com/Emrtc757UE
That could threaten the entire plan of giving Drake Maye one of the best avaialble weapons in 2026.
The Rams could get in the way of the Patriots pulling off an AJ Brown trade
It almost seems written in the stars for the Patriots to have finally hired Mike Vrabel as their head coach, and Brown to become potentially available for trade nearly right after. Considering he is a player fans are still mad at Bill Belichick for passing on in the 2019 draft, it would be a full-circle moment to finally get him in a Patriots uniform.
This offseason looks like the best chance to make that happen, even if there will be a few more months of waiting. Now the Rams are poking around and could threaten their chances of getting a deal done.
The Patriots should be in better standing with their draft capital and their current available cap space, which works in their favor. Not to mention, Brown might be involved in where he ends up going, and he has more than hinted that he wants to go to New England.
It's well-documented that he grew up a Patriots fan, and when the team selected N'Keal Harry in the first round and passed on Brown, he sobbed. They can finally make things right by getting him in the building this offseason, and hopefully, they can outbid the Rams in the process.
The constant NFC contender is far from needing another superstar wide receiver on their team. Nacua alone has been in the top-3 at the position over the last few years, never mind what Adams has done throughout his career.
Brown is much more needed in Foxboro, and his desire to be there might be the momentum that pushes the trade in their favor.