A.J. Brown trade won't hinder Patriots WR Romeo Doubs' rise in 2026

A big season is in store for New England Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs in 2026.

Doubs is positioned as the Patriots' No. 1 receiver. The Nevada product went for 724 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2025 as a member of the Green Bay Packers. Doubs looked every bit the part of a wide receiver one year away from striving for 1,000 yards.

The 26-year-old pass-catcher inherits Stefon Diggs' role as the primary target for New England. Diggs was targeted 102 times last season. He recorded 85 receptions for 1,013 yards on the year. Doubs projects to receive most of those targets on the current version of the Patriots' roster.

If Kayshon Boutte remains in New England for next season, he will likely demand an increased workload in the offense. Mack Hollins' role figures to be the same, though Patriots coach Mike Vrabel stated earlier this offseason that DeMario Douglas is in for a bigger role in 2026.

Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown is the variable that creates question marks as to what role Doubs will have with the Patriots next season. The Patriots are anticipated to trade for Brown in the coming weeks, which will give them a 1,000-yard receiver from 2025 with championship experience, sliding Doubs over to the WR2 slot.