NFL Network was busy yesterday with the multiple high-profile names involved in various transactions throughout the league. The Los Angeles Rams started out the day by acquiring two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. Later, the New York Giants signed former Pro Bowl wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Juju Smith-Schuster.
The flurry of noteworthy moves was capped off by the New England Patriots landing disgruntled wide receiver AJ Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. For weeks, they were long-believed to be the favorites to land Brown, and it certainly turned out to be the case.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport explains why the AJ Brown trade ended with the New England Patriots
Brown played in Philadelphia for the last four seasons, recording over 1,000 yards in each one. However, he was increasingly frustrated by his diminishing role on the offense, and was rumored to have requested a trade during the season last year.
He ended the 2025 NFL season with 78 receptions, 1,003 yards, and seven touchdowns in 15 games played.
On Monday, the Patriots were able to pry Brown away from the Eagles by sending them a 2028 first round pick and 2027 fifth round pick.
Tuesday morning, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport revealed why, ultimately, New England was able to land the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver:
From @NFLNetwork: The #Eagles did right by AJ Brown, sending him to one of his four preferred destinations. The #Patriots was where he wanted to go. pic.twitter.com/7yKKuOyWd9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 2, 2026
“The Philadelphia Eagles certainly did right by AJ Brown, giving him the opportunity to at least give them some preferred destinations. That’s why the Los Angeles Rams were in the mix a couple months ago, whenever that was. And that is the Patriots were among his top targets.
“The relationship with Mike Vrabel, the familiarity there, and an excellent, excellent quarterback in Drake Maye, all made the Patriots a place where AJ Brown wanted to be. It was just a matter of the Eagles agreeing to terms on a deal, which they did recently.”
New England has certainly revamped its wide receiver room after parting ways with Stefon Diggs. Earlier this off-season, they signed former Green Bay Packers pass catcher Romeo Doubs, and they have added Brown.
Obviously, Brown’s familiarity with Vrabel dates back to their days together with the Tennessee Titans. What is more, though, the three-time Pro Bowler is now entering a situation where he is the unquestioned number one wide receiver, which he was not over the last couple of years in Philadelphia.
The Patriots, indeed, are probably the best team Brown could have gone to. He has a chance to compete for Super Bowls, he is in a great situation on the depth chart, and he is with his former head coach.
Meanwhile, the Eagles have gained more draft capital, giving general manager Howie Roseman even opportunities to show why he is considered the best executive in the NFL.
In the end, it was a win-win trade for all parties involved.
