It was clear throughout all the discussion about the Eagles trading AJ Brown that they were uninterested in taking anything less than a deal that included a first-round pick. So, for Patriots fans, they knew what a trade package would consist of, and that's exactly what it was, plus a 2027 fifth-rounder thrown in.
It's a high cost that some fans aren't too thrilled about, but it's what it takes to get a player of Brown's caliber on the team. And considering how good he has been and will be for Drake Maye and their offense, it will surely be worth it.
But what makes the trade even better is seeing the contract details and Brown's cap hits over the next five years, all of which are well below what anyone could have imagined based on the massive contract he signed just two years ago.
That's going to become crucial over the next two years, with an extension looming for Christian Gonzalez, and next year will be Maye's turn.
AJ Brown's contract is surprisingly team friendly for the Patriots
One of the leading statistical websites for the NFL, Spotrac, broke down the contract details and how it ultimately impacts both the Eagles and the Patriots.
We knew Philadelphia would take on a good amount of dead cap, which is now spread out over the next two seasons, but seeing the Patriots only on the hook for just over $7 million in 2026 with Brown's cap hit is a welcome surprise.
#NFL TRADE#Patriots Acquire
— Spotrac (@spotrac) June 1, 2026
WR A.J. Brown#Eagles Acquire
2028 1st-Rd Pick
2027 5th-Rd Pick
PHI Dead Cap
2026: $21.8M
2027: $27.1M
NE Cap Hits
2026: $7.04M
2027: $10.9M
2028: $17.8M
2029: $23.6M
2030: $53.5M (void)
Because he is still considered a top-10 receiver in the NFL, Brown is one of the highest-paid players at the position. That was something fans were prepared for the team to take on, yet the way his contract breaks down puts the franchise in a much better position long term than anyone could have anticipated.
In a few years' time, Brown's deal will be considered one of the biggest steals in the league, and that will be incredibly helpful with the big extensions the Patriots will be on the books for over the next few years.
They'll have the benefit of an ever-increasing salary cap, which will certainly help, and if all things go well with Brown, it's inevitable they'll rework his contract and probably give him more money.
It's the kind of deal that makes sending multiple draft picks, especially a first-rounder, more digestible and that should excite Patriots fans everywhere well ahead of the 2026 season.
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