With training camp looming, the trade chatter linking A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots isn't going anywhere. If anything, talks could intensify after June 1, when the Philadelphia Eagles will have more salary cap flexibility to move Brown's contract.
Nevertheless, there's no guarantee that the Eagles will actually trade Brown, and even if they do, they might send him elsewhere. Considering that, NESN's Aaliyan Mohammed believes the Patriots should keep an eye out for a potential alternative.
With Tyreek Hill still a free agent, and given Drake Maye's fondness for deep passes, Mohammed made a case for the former Super Bowl champion as a high-upside pickup for the Patriots if they don't get Brown.
"Maye has a great deep ball, and pairing that with a player like Hill could be great. Obviously, the Patriots seem to prefer Brown. Hill would already have been signed if the Patriots wanted him over Brown. However, he could be a great backup plan if the Eagles send Brown somewhere else," argued Mohammed.
The Patriots can’t justify a Tyreek Hill move unless one key factor changes
This makes sense on paper, but only under the right circumstances. For starters, Hill first needs to prove that he's healthy after suffering a major knee injury last season. He would then likely have to lower his financial aspirations.
According to Spotrac, Hill has a projected market value of $15.1 million, and his next contract is projected to be two years. That would've been a bargain years ago, but Hill is now 32 and coming off a major injury. Speed has always been his best trait, so there are no guarantees that he can be even half as impactful as he was before the injury.
Granted, cost shouldn't be a sticking point in Foxborough, as the Patriots have nearly $36 million in available cap space, per Over the Cap. But they should have options if they end up looking to add another veteran receiver. Stefon Diggs remains unsigned, and other potential pivots include Jauan Jennings, Deebo Samuel — or maybe even a trade for George Pickens?
Not so long ago, Hill was arguably the most dangerous pass catcher in the game. His ability to leave defensive backs in the dust and his acceleration were second to none in the league, and his diminished production may have more to do with subpar quarterback play than Father Time catching up to him.
Even so, he's always had distractions off the field and may have lost a step, so as much as he might be worth the risk, the Patriots should only consider signing him if he agrees to take a pay cut on a "prove it" deal. He might be running out of options, so that might not be as far-fetched as it sounds.
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