Should Patriots pass on A.J. Brown for this dual blockbuster trade?

TL;DR

The New England Patriots are expected to trade for A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles after June 1, but no deal is finalized yet. The team may also consider a trade involving Jacksonville Jaguars' Brian Thomas Jr.

Key points

Patriots expected to trade for A.J. Brown after June 1
No binding deal currently in place
Brian Thomas Jr. from Jaguars may be considered as an alternative
A.J. Brown is a top playmaker when healthy
Brown's relationship with Mike Vrabel is significant

New England PatriotsPhiladelphia EaglesJacksonville Jaguars

The New England Patriots are expected to trade for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown on or after June 1, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. But there isn't a binding deal currently in place that can stop the Patriots from changing their minds.

Yes, the Patriots need a No. 1 wide receiver, and Brown is one of the top playmakers in the NFL when healthy and locked in. Couple his personal relationship with Mike Vrabel, and the two sides appear destined to exchange "I dos" later this offseason.

Still, it might behoove the Patriots to consider this recent nugget from Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio regarding Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

"We’re told that the Jaguars may be trying to lay the foundation for a potential trade into the bottom of round one. The potential bait could include receiver Brian Thomas Jr.," Florio wrote.

If the Jaguars are interested in trading up to No. 31, it's a move that the Patriots should greatly consider making. Thomas is coming off a disappointing 2025 season with only 48 catches for 707 yards and two touchdowns. In one year, he went from being the fantasy football darling to the player who single-handedly tanked most teams. But if you're the Patriots, the fact that Thomas is only halfway through a rookie deal after posting 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 is well worth a roll of the dice.

Q&A

What is the status of A.J. Brown's trade to the Patriots?

The Patriots are expected to trade for A.J. Brown after June 1, but there is currently no binding deal in place.

Why might the Patriots consider Brian Thomas Jr. from the Jaguars?

The Patriots may consider Brian Thomas Jr. as an alternative trade option if they decide against acquiring A.J. Brown.

How does A.J. Brown's relationship with Mike Vrabel impact the trade?

A.J. Brown's personal relationship with Mike Vrabel suggests a strong possibility of a trade to the Patriots, as they are likely to have good chemistry.