Over the past three years, the Patriots have been connected to AJ Brown and have consistently been considered the top trade destination if he were to be moved. Of course, the Titans shocked the NFL world when they chose to move the Pro Bowl receiver to the Eagles, but things haven't been smooth sailing since.
Despite representing the NFC one year and then winning a Super Bowl, Brown has expressed his frustrations with the Eagles over the last two years. Some of it could be attributed to the stereotypical antics of a top-name receiver, but this year he seems to have a legitimate gripe with his lack of inclusion in the offensive game plan.
That has put him right at the center of trade rumors, with the Patriots at the top of the list as suitors, especially now that his former coach, Mike Vrabel, is in New England. They have the assets to trade and the money to acquire him, should Brown become available, and Vrabel hasn't ruled out the possibility of that happening.
And now, even former players, like the legendary Ty Law, are advocating for Brown to join the team. So, the pressure is mounting for Vrabel to add another weapon to the roster.
Ty Law is a fan of the Patriots pulling off a blockbuster trade for another star wide receiver
During a recent appearance on WEEI's "The Greg Hills Show" this week, Law was asked about the Patriots pursuing a trade for Brown if the Eagles were to change their mind about him being available.
Just like many Patriots fans have said over the last few years, Law was completely on board and was excited about the idea of an AJ Brown-Stefon Diggs tandem in the receiving corps.
“Absolutely bring him. If you can get A.J. Brown and pair him with Stefon Diggs, bring him.”
Because there are concerns about his antics, Law was also asked about that, considering that is the last thing the Patriots need in their locker room, especially since Vrabel has already instilled a solid culture that has been seen on and off the field throughout the offseason to now.
Law wasn't concerned, citing his knowledge of the game and history with various wide receivers, as he believes Brown has every right to voice his dissatisfaction given the circumstances.
“That’s just the receiver position, and he wants to feel a part of the game. So if he’s not, he’s going to say something about it. Like I said, he got enough guaranteed contract that he can say what he wants to say, and they just have to deal with it.”
Those were the same worries that many had with Diggs coming in, but they have not been an issue so far whatsoever. There's a chance putting two like-minded receivers like that on the same roster could create a problem, but they would inevitably be the top go-to's for Drake Maye, so maybe that would keep things smooth.
Even with that in mind, Diggs has clearly become the WR1 the Patriots were hoping for when they took the risk of signing him in free agency after tearing his ACL, so it would be unsurprising if they don't view the receiver position as needy as some others would suggest it is.
That could deter them from pursuing Brown in a trade, even if he were to become available. Or, at the very best, they could attempt to recreate what the Bengals have with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, both of whom are considered WR1s but work well as a tandem for Joe Burrow.
We won't really know, but at least Vrabel has the blessing from another Patriots legend who thinks it would be a good idea. That has to mean something, right?