Patriots have reportedly inquired about trade for top-10 receiver

The Patriots' lack of activity in free agency disappointed most New England fans, particularly regarding their seemingly absent desire to make a move for the game-changing wide receiver the offense has long needed.

The effort to entice Calvin Ridley was applauded, especially seeing they only fell $1 million short of what he eventually accepted with the Titans. But since then, the team hasn't been actively pursuing a trade for a player of his caliber or better, at least not according to reports.

Jerod Mayo insisted last month that they were looking into the trade market for a receiver to boost their offense. This prompted many to believe they were likely interested in a guy like Tee Higgins, who seems like the most logical trade target. However, no moves have been made to get a deal done for the Bengals receiver.

Since then, any and all potential movement has been radio silent out of Foxboro until this week when NFL insider Albert Breer revealed who the Patriots have called to inquire about, a name that would excite fans immediately.

Who is that player? None other than A.J. Brown, the 2019 draftee who should've been a Patriot all along.

Patriots tried to right a former wrong by inquiring about A.J. Brown's trade availability

There has been chatter regarding Brown's potential availability stemming from some of his headline-worthy behavior from last season. Like any outspoken player, fans and reporters immediately jump to conclusions about what a player is really saying or how they're viewed by their team.

This created the narrative that Brown wanted out of Philadelphia, despite his comments stating otherwise, and even got people proposing trades for receiver-needy teams to acquire him, including the Patriots.

The rumors strengthened even more on Thursday when Brown changed his profile picture on Twitter/X to Tom Brady in a Patriots uniform, fueling the narrative that he wanted off his current team and was expressing his desire to be on the Patriots.

Despite all the speculation and hoopla created from virtually nothing, the Eagles have remained staunch with their denial of Brown's availability, which Breer confirmed when reporting about the Patriots' making the call about a trade.

"Philadelphia has gotten inquiries on A.J. Brown... They have shut them all down and told other teams that he is not available."

We know things can change on a dime in the NFL, hence the saying "never say never" when discussing any potential signing/trade, etc. But given how integral Brown has become to the success of the Eagles' offense, it's fair to assume it's wishful thinking to believe he will suddenly become available anytime soon.

The Patriots will have to look elsewhere for the receiver they need, like Brandon Aiyuk or Higgins, maybe Justin Jefferson. Or, worst case, rely solely on the draft.

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