A few weeks into the season, teams are starting to find their rhythm on offense and are relying on the players who have performed the most for them in the first four weeks. For the Patriots, the onus has been on getting Hunter Henry involved down the seam while Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and Mack Hollins have been the top three receivers. Passing is no doubt the team's priority.
Other teams have also made their preferences known. Cleveland and Dallas lead the league in pass play percentage, while the 4-0 Buffalo Bills, led by reigning MVP Josh Allen, slightly prefer the run. The most notable figure has been the reigning Super Bowl Champion Eagles, who run the ball more than anyone, nearly 55% of the time.
That strong focus on the run has left star receiver A.J. Brown disgruntled and unhappy with his role in the offense. He has 14 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown through four games, and in two games, he has less than ten yards.
Taking away his outlier game against the Rams, he's had eight catches for 42 yards in his three other games. If this persists, Brown may want to consider finding a new team where he can be more involved.
A.J. Brown could be traded to New England if the Eagles change their mind
In a recent article from Pro Football Network, it is suggested that the Patriots are one of four teams that could make sense if Brown is moved. The key piece there is "if". In general, 4-0 teams don't replace one of their best players, even if he isn't as involved as usual.
Last year, Philadelphia led the league in run play percentage, and similar trade rumors swirled around Brown and his involvement. After a pair of seasons during which he eclipsed 1,400 yards, last season marked his first time dipping below 70 catches since 2021. It might seem Brown is being phased out, but he played only 13 games last year. His 83 yards per game would have seen him break the 1,400-yard threshold again if it weren't for hamstring and knee injuries.
This year, he's played all four games and is on pace for less than 650 yards. Is this likely to actually be his final figure? No, but it does justify his frustration. The issue is that the Eagles are still 4-0, and it's hard to argue with results. If Brown becomes a problem in the locker room, it could be worth ensuring the team's continued chemistry while getting some draft picks in return.
If the Patriots have a serious opportunity to make a move for Brown, they should pull the trigger without a doubt. The team has all their picks in 2025, a young quarterback leading a pass-heavy offense, and Brown is under contract until 2029. All of this boils down to a tremendous opportunity.
If Brown is actually traded, the Eagles likely won't have much of a choice in the matter: he'll force his way out. Looking at what capital might be required, it would be less than what the former Ole Miss Rebel might have been traded for in the offseason.
Moving a second-round pick, a fourth-rounder, and second-year guard Caedan Wallace might be enough to get the deal done. The Eagles have struggled to find a backup option for Lane Johnson, and they have reason to be interested in a developmental lineman only a year and change removed from being a third-round pick.
As mentioned, this deal getting done is likely dependent on the wide receiver forcing his way out of Philadelphia. If the Patriots have the opportunity to take advantage of adding a 28-year-old star to Drake Maye's cache of weapons, they should absolutely take the opportunity, as much as a pip dream as it might seem for now.