Heading into the next phase of the 2026 offseason, the Patriots are set to be in the news (a lot) over their connection to a trade with the Eagles for receiver AJ Brown. The assumption is that an unofficial agreement has been made, and Brown will be on his way to Foxboro after June 1.
That's when his dead cap will split over the next two years, saving the Eagles a lot of money and making a trade much more desirable. Given that the Patriots didn't draft a receiver and the Eagles just traded for another before drafting one, too, it's beyond obvious that a trade will happen this summer. The Patriots are considered the most likely partner.
But what could that deal include?
Analysts have consistently suggested a first- or second-round pick, particularly because Philadelphia is rumored to be seeking the highest possible draft capital. But if the Patriots don't want to give up that much, especially in 2027 when the draft class is projected to be far better than in years past, they might include a player or two.
Chad Graff of The Athletic names a few players that could be included in that deal, and looking at the current receiving corps, some of these names make a lot of sense.
A few Patriots receivers might be on the trade block if an AJ Brown deal comes together
If they're going to be sending away a wide receiver, the assumption is the Eagles will want one in return, so that leaves a small list of players potentially on the trade block.
Graff mentions Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, and Mack Hollins as the likeliest to be traded, with Boutte jumping toward the top of the list after rumors have been circulating about the Patriots shopping him during draft weekend.
"In a potential Brown trade to the Patriots, the Eagles would almost certainly want a wide receiver in return. Based on ability and contract situations, that leaves three options: Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas and (Kayshon) Boutte.
So here’s a potential trade package that has been floated by league sources for June: Brown for Boutte and a future second-round pick, potentially with conditions that could turn the pick into a first-rounder if Brown hits certain performance metrics."
Looking at the current roster, it looks like Romeo Doubs is probably the only receiver safe from being traded at this point. You could also throw in Kyle Williams, since he was a third-round draft pick last year, but the rest will keep being linked to this potential trade.
Brown would immediately become a co-WR1 with Doubs, and that easily pushes the others down the depth chart. Boutte might be the most desirable for the Eagles, but he's shown a lot of progress since the Patriots drafted him in 2023, so it would be a shame to see him traded.
But if that means they get Brown in the process, it's hard to imagine that Mike Vrabel wouldn't be willing to sign on the dotted line.
The hope is that the trade would be worth it, particularly given concerns about Brown's age and injury history. If that all pans out, then it would presumably look like a good deal. But at the same time, if Boutte goes on to thrive and Brown doesn't, it looks like a big mistake.
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