This Rival May Be Patriots Biggest Threat In A.J. Brown Sweepstakes

Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver A.J. Brown

This Rival May Be Patriots Biggest Threat In A.J. Brown Sweepstakes originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots have been linked to A.J. Brown in rumors all offseason, but the Miami Dolphins could emerge as a serious contender to land him.

There have not been many reports about teams calling the Philadelphia Eagles for Brown, outside of the Patriots. Brown's constant hinting at his desire to play for the Patriots and his relationship with Mike Vrabel play a role in that. However, the Patriots have reportedly not been willing to give up a first-round pick for Brown, as the Eagles want.

The asking price for Brown could change in the coming weeks, and he is a name to watch on draft day. How do the Dolphins come into play? Well, unlike the Patriots, they have two first-round picks. If the price for Brown is a first-round pick, the Dolphins may be more willing to part with one.

That's not the only reason the Dolphins could be the biggest threat to swipe Brown before the Patriots can. They have a new head coach, general manager and quarterback. They moved on from Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill this offseason and are desperate for a new receiver. The new general manager could be looking to make a move that sets the tone for a winning team.

Additionally, Malik Willis will need someone to throw the ball to. Brown could satisfy that need. The Eagles are clearly going to wait for the best offer they can get for Brown, and that could come on draft day. After the draft, teams may want to wait until June 1 to go after Brown, as his cap implications will change, and the asking price could drop.

However, the Dolphins could get aggressive and pull the trigger on him by sending the Eagles the Broncos first round pick this year, essentially swapping Waddle for Brown.

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