The New England Patriots had a remarkable passing offense during the 2025 regular season, ranking among the best in the NFL. However, this level of performance faltered against tougher opponents in the playoffs. Analysts point to several contributing factors, particularly the need for an upgraded wide receiver corps.
While the Patriots’ wide receivers improved compared to their 2024 performance, they still lacked a true No. 1 receiver capable of making game-changing plays. Players like Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs, and Mack Hollins provided solid contributions but fell short of being elite game-changers. A potential solution could be trading with the Philadelphia Eagles for veteran wideout A.J. Brown, a player who could significantly impact the Patriots’ offensive dynamics.
There are compelling reasons for the Patriots to consider pursuing Brown. First, he is a proven WR1 who consistently delivers exceptional performance for the Eagles. Acquiring him would provide New England with its most formidable top-tier receiver since Brandin Cooks left the team in 2017. His ability to serve as a primary target for quarterback Drake Maye would enhance the offense and introduce serious big-play potential.
Furthermore, Brown’s presence on the field would create favorable matchups for the Patriots’ other receivers. Defenses would be compelled to focus on Brown, allowing players like Boutte to exploit mismatches against lesser defenders, as evidenced in past matchups where superior cornerbacks were preoccupied.
Significantly, adding Brown could lead to roster changes. While it may mean parting with a player, such as Boutte or Diggs, it also opens the possibility for deeper roster depth without hefty cap penalties. Brown’s cap hit could be manageable for the Patriots, granting them additional flexibility.
Character-wise, Brown appears to be a good fit for New England. Although he has expressed some dissatisfaction with his role in Philadelphia, he was a respected leader there, serving multiple years as a captain. His previous relationship with head coach Mike Vrabel, who coached him during his time with the Titans, could further ease his transition and effectiveness in New England.
On the flip side, there are valid concerns regarding the potential trade. The Eagles would incur a significant dead cap hit from moving on from Brown, which means they might demand a steep compensation package. This reality could force the Patriots to reconsider whether the investment is worth it, especially when they might have other options to improve their receiving corps.
Additionally, Brown has faced some injury issues, having missed six games over the last two seasons, which could raise questions about his durability. Lastly, the Patriots could explore internal options or draft prospects that might provide value without the high cost of an established player like Brown.
While the prospect of acquiring A.J. Brown is intriguing and could enhance the offense significantly, the potential financial and strategic implications demand careful consideration. Ultimately, it remains to be seen how this pursuit will impact the team’s performance and long-term strategy moving forward. Regardless, adding a talent like Brown could bolster the Patriots’ offensive capacity as they aim for another shot at the Super Bowl.