Expectations are high for the Patriots offseason regarding roster improvements, especially with Mike Vrabel now being the main person calling the shots. Last year, free agency was a let down, and it could primarily be blamed on an inexperienced coaching staff and a seemingly lack of a proven quarterback.
That issue doesn't exist with Vrabel as the new head coach and Drake Maye's future looking bright beyond measure, which should intrigue and attract the kind of players they need to sign.
It has already been reported that the new regime plans to spend their projected $129 million in cap space to fill the roster holes needed to make the team competitive again, with a focus on the offense to support Maye properly, and they are open to making a blockbuster trade or two to accomplish that goal.
The assumption continues to be that this will be how they acquire the caliber of wide receiver they desire and need, as those heading to free agency either aren't what they want or will stick with their current team. So, hearing the latest chatter suggests that the Patriots have already begun making calls about at least one of the best receivers in the league, which is a positive sign they're moving in the right direction.
Patriots have reportedly already called the Eagles about the possible availability of A.J. Brown via trade
New England has been connected to a few notable players this offseason so far, especially wide receivers, with the focus remaining on Tee Higgins. Because he isn't expected to be available and the Bengals plan to extend him, he's off the table (for now) and the Patriots will have to focus their efforts elsewhere.
According to Matthew Berry of NBC Sports, they have already done that on Eagles receiver and former Titans player A.J. Brown, who Vrabel remains close with and didn't reject the possibility of trading for earlier this offseason.
"To that point about a shallow WR market; I’ve heard the Patriots WILL do whatever they can to get a real “WR1” for Drake Maye and the new coaching staff. I heard they are knocking on all doors, seeing what they can possibly trade for, and one person told me they heard the Patriots called Philly asking if A.J. Brown was available. Shrug emoji on if that’s true, or what Philly’s answer was, but this much seems certain: New England will aggressively try to upgrade its wide receiver room this offseason."
As Berry stated in the article, it might just be a rumor, but it's a good rumor regardless. It proves the Patriots are willing to make the moves necessary to put the team back in a position to win and surround Maye with the best supporting cast possible to help him thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Adding Brown would be a huge deal no matter the price, and although we don't know if the Eagles are considering moving on from him just yet, the Patriots have all the ammunition to make an offer they can't refuse.
Hopefully, they can do that and force Philadelphia to reconsider taking him off the trade market.