Each year, the NFL Combine is where teams mingle with the rest of the league as they scout potential draft picks and prepare for free agency. That allows teams like the Patriots to test the waters on players who might be available for trade, including top names like AJ Brown and Maxx Crosby.
They continue to be the most discussed trade candidates for New England this offseason and are expected to be the main topic for many teams looking to improve their rosters. Because the Patriots have a strong connection to Brown specifically, with Mike Vrabel as his former head coach, there is a lot of hope from fans that the Eagles will make him available.
Despite shutting down the possibility of trading him before last season's deadline, essentially closing the door for the Patriots to even inquire, the Eagles' staff is not exactly shutting that idea down at the start of the Combine this week, with GM Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni leaving room for discussion with free agency on the horizon.
The Eagles are far more open to trade talks for AJ Brown than they ever have been
After slamming the possibility of a trade just last year, Sirianni didn't seem so sure about Brown remaining with the Eagles in 2026, giving the go-ahead to the Patriots to make the call and make an offer they can't refuse if they deem Brown to be the player to upgrade their receiving corps for the 2026 season.
"Will A.J. be here next season? I think we're still in a spot, like, I can't guarantee how anything is going to play out into next season. I'm thinking I'm going to be the coach next season, but you can't guarantee anything past tomorrow."
If that's not a clear sign for Mike Vrabel and Co. to make the call as soon as possible, it's hard to say what would be.
Although Roseman said he assumes Brown wants to remain with the team, while not shutting down entertaining trade conversations, Sirianni didn't seem so sure.
That's a drastic change from what the organization said just a few months ago, so the uptick in mock trades for Brown doesn't seem so pointless now, especially considering the Patriots remain the top contender to pull off the blockbuster move.
They're in a good spot to offer a solid deal, whether it be their late first-round pick (No. 31) or maybe a second-rounder. They could throw in a player if they were already thinking of moving on from them, or if it sweetens the deal a bit more.
They have the option to add Brown to the team if they feel he is the missing piece in their wide receiver room, so it will be interesting to see if we hear their interest in a trade heat up after these comments from those in Philadelphia.