Just because it’s been long assumed that Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown is headed to the New England Patriots in a post-June 1 trade doesn’t mean the behind-the-scenes haggling has slowed down.

Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport has proposed a modified trade framework that would virtually guarantee Brown lands in New England. In the updated pitch, the Patriots would still surrender their 2027 first-round pick — the centerpiece of the deal for the draft-rich Eagles — but would receive a 2027 third-round pick back from Philadelphia.

“The Patriots made it all the way to the Super Bowl last year, but one of the team’s more glaring weaknesses entering the season is the lack of a true go-to wideout,” Davenport wrote. “A healthy Brown would fill that void, and while a straight-up swap for a first-rounder may be a bit rich for New England’s blood, getting a Day 2 pick back should be enough to get the deal done.”

Patriots Taking Big Gamble in A.J. Brown Trade

This potential move represents a classic “High Risk, High Reward” proposition for the Patriots.

On one hand, Brown could be the missing piece that propels New England back to the summit of the NFL. After falling short in the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks following the 2025 season, the Patriots are searching for a difference-making wide receiver to complement third-year quarterback Drake Maye, who finished as the NFL MVP runner-up last season.

On the other hand, Brown has developed a reputation as a locker-room cancer during his four rollercoaster seasons in Philadelphia. Despite the Eagles reaching the Super Bowl twice and winning once during his tenure, Brown has been widely cited as a source of discord in the locker room over the last three seasons. This would mark the second time in his career that he is being traded in his prime.

A.J. Brown-Drake Maye Pairing Could Be Historic

Still, many believe the Patriots should not haggle excessively over the return, given Brown’s elite talent as a three-time NFL All-Pro.

The potential on-field chemistry between Brown and Maye has already sparked considerable excitement. NFL Network’s Rich Eisen is particularly bullish on the pairing, suggesting it could produce historic results.

“(Brown) is going to lead the league in touchdowns this year,” Eisen said. “I don’t think that’s an overreaction at all. If this happens, this does remind me of something … (Brown) is the Randy Moss of the equation. He’s a beast of a physical receiver. He can go outside the numbers and win 50-50 balls and give the quarterback a big, fat, deep target who can also go over the middle and be a massive matchup problem.”

Eisen drew a direct parallel to one of the greatest quarterback-receiver duos in NFL history. In 2007, Randy Moss caught an NFL single-season record 23 touchdown passes from Tom Brady, helping the Patriots finish the regular season 16-0 before falling to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

While Eisen stopped short of predicting Moss-level production, he didn’t hesitate to forecast significant numbers for Brown in Foxborough.

“If you’re telling me A.J. Brown could catch 15 touchdowns next year, that wouldn’t shock me at all,” Eisen added. “I just think he’s a perfect fit.”

As negotiations continue, the football world will be watching closely. For the Patriots, acquiring Brown could represent the final piece of a championship puzzle. For the Eagles, it offers a chance to move on from a talented but disruptive player while replenishing draft capital.

Whether the modified trade structure ultimately gets the deal across the finish line remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: when A.J. Brown finally changes teams, the ripple effects could be felt throughout the entire league.