Will Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini drama prevent A.J. Brown trade to Patriots?

Jones ultimately landed with Vrabel’s Tennessee Titans for only a second-round pick, prompting some fans to question whether Vrabel used his relationship with Russini to help cool the market for the star receiver.

At one point, reports also suggested the Patriots offered a first-round pick for Brown before his March 17 contract clause took effect. To many observers, the situation sounded familiar.

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Still, the reality is that teams across the league routinely use insiders to leak information and gain leverage in negotiations. However, the ethics surrounding the Vrabel-Russini relationship have drawn significant scrutiny. The fallout reportedly contributed to Russini’s departure from The Athletic and Vrabel stepping away during the NFL Draft.

Although teams frequently use the media to shape public perception — especially during trade negotiations — it is reasonable to wonder whether a potential Brown-to-Patriots trade has now become too controversial to complete. New details continue to emerge, adding more pieces to an increasingly concerning puzzle.

Some may argue that none of this ultimately matters. Vrabel remains the Patriots’ head coach, and Russini has already moved on professionally. Still, the larger issue is unavoidable: the public relations disaster surrounding the situation.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has repeatedly stated that communications and journalism programs could study this case for years because of how badly it has unfolded at nearly every stage. That raises an important question: does the NFL want the controversy surrounding this story attached to a blockbuster trade?

In the end, the speculation may prove meaningless. The Eagles could still receive fair compensation, Brown could still get traded, and the NFL world could move on as if nothing happened.

But should it matter? And will it matter? That ultimately depends on who you ask.