After achieving unexpected success that led to a Super Bowl appearance, the Patriots entered the 2026 offseason with plenty of optimism within the team, but a lot of negativity from those with the loudest voices in the media.
Because they didn't play their best football in the playoffs or the Championship game against the Seahawks, the predictions that they would fail next season due to a much more difficult schedule almost immediately became the hottest talking point of the offseason.
Some of that has changed since they traded for wide receiver A.J. Brown, who has immediately elevated the receiving corps and raised expectations for MVP runner-up Drake Maye. And while that's far from what the NFL wants to hear, since they are far from fans of the Patriots, it's catching on across the league, even with former players.
Longtime Seahawks cornerback turned Amazon Prime analyst Richard Sherman is the latest to express his excitement about Brown's future in Foxboro and what that could mean for a young quarterback on the rise to superstardom.
It's become more of a popular take, but not exactly what the rest of the league wants to hear.
Richard Sherman isn't shy in showing his support for the Patriots after A.J. Brown trade
While speaking about the offseason on his podcast recently, Sherman shared his thoughts on Maye's talent and how Brown immediately makes them a Super Bowl contender again in 2026.
He didn't say anything outlandish or too optimistic, but Patriots rivals and the league that has wanted to tarnish their success over the last quarter century surely aren't thrilled with what the future looks like for New England now.
"They just played in the Super Bowl, and the young quarterback, Drake Maye, is one of the most talented in the National Football League. He's only going to continue to improve. A.J. Brown is going to be a huge part of that. He's going to be a huge help and boost to his season. ...I think this is a fantastic trade. ...It's really cool to see him reunited with Mike Vrabel."
Sherman went on to say that when Mike Vrabel was the head coach of the Titans, he was strongly opposed to trading Brown to the Eagles, but higher-ups overruled him and did it anyway.
This gives him a chance to reunite with the receiver he drafted and pair him with an up-and-coming quarterback whose ceiling just got raised by Brown's addition to the roster. And that will only become clearer as his refreshed attitude plays out while he suits up for his favorite childhood team.
"So it seems like he's playing for his dream team. He's going over there with a great attitude about it. He's excited about it. That matters going into these situations, and I think you're going to see a great season from A.J. Brown because of it."
That's exactly what the Patriots need after a Super Bowl run, with the expectation to replicate that kind of success this fall.
It's clear that while many are overlooking what they can accomplish in 2026, there are several others who know not to diminish what they can do with the revamped team they have assembled over the past few months.
Brown is a significant part of that, and rivals will quickly regret dismissing what Brown, Maye, and the Patriots can do on game day.
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