The New England Patriots have a drastically improved receiving corps compared to their 2024 group. Stefon Diggs was the marquee addition; Kayshon Boutte has broken out as a steady WR2; Mack Hollins had an 89-yard day against the Browns in Week 8, his second-highest yard total ever.
DeMario Douglas had his first 100-yard game in Week 9, catching four passes and adding a touchdown. They also added Kyle Williams in the third round and UDFA Efton Chism. The receiver room has been improved, and breakouts are now happening weekly.
Despite the receiver room overperforming, Vrabel hasn't stopped looking to make additions. Recently, it was rumored that the Patriots made an offer for A.J. Brown: a second-round pick and Kayshon Boutte, which Philadelphia considered but eventually rejected.
While it was a worthy effort, Brown's availability seems no longer in doubt. When talking to reporters about why Brown wasn't dealt, GM Howie Roseman said, "When you're trying to be a great team, it's hard to trade great players. A.J. is a great player. He cares about winning, and he cares about his teammates. He is a captain. You just don't get rid of guys like that."
A.J. Brown still won't be traded to the Patriots any time soon
The Patriots could stand to add an elite pass catcher, but Brown won't be the player they'll acquire, it seems. While the Patriots made a pair of trades before the deadline (Kyle Dugger and Keion White), they still have players and picks that could have value.
Aside from having ten picks in the first six rounds in 2026, they also have players like Garrett Bradbury, Caedan Wallace, Anfernee Jennings, and Christian Elliss that could become expendable at the end of the year depending on their additions. They could be part of an offseason deal for a wideout or traded to add more capital to make a move for a wideout.
While trading Brown midseason makes little sense for the now 6-2 Eagles, the possibility could open up again at the end of the year, when teams might be more willing to trade picks and have a better idea of what their 2026 roster might look like. The 28-year-old still has another half-decade of production, so for the Eagles to think they could nab a late first-rounder isn't ridiculous.
For now, the Patriots didn't miss out on Brown. He wasn't traded, and no elite receivers were at the deadline. Brown's happiness will be something to revisit come the offseason, when a reunion with Mike Vrabel could be in the cards.