Conflicting reports are floating around the AJ Brown trade this offseason, as the wide receiver might end up somewhere else if the Eagles and Patriots can’t solidify an agreement. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said there hasn’t been a firm agreement between the two parties, which means Brown joining the Patriots isn’t a guarantee anymore. While there’s been wink-wink from both sides, there’s nothing yet official until it actually comes together. However, it wasn’t too long before Adam Schefter reported that a trade between the two teams will “probably” get done after June 1.
As of this posting, it’s still a complicated situation. Everyone is assuming that Brown will join the Patriots, and while he will be gone from Philadelphia, there is always a possibility that he could join elsewhere. However, Brown has made it clear in the past that he wanted to join the Patriots when selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, where the Tennessee Titans took him.
“Nothing Binding” Patriots, Eagles Blockbuster AJ Brown Trade Not Yet Confirmed
It’ll be an interesting twist if the deal falls apart. The Patriots did sign Romeo Doubs this free agency, with the projected receivers behind him set to be Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte. For Brown, there’s no question he’d emerged as the top pass-catcher for the Patriots offense. It could complicate the future of Hollins, though.
Meanwhile, the Eagles have made several moves in their pass-catching unit this offseason. The team signed Marquise Brown and Elijah Moore while trading for Dontayvion Wicks. They also traded with the Dallas Cowboys to select Makai Lemon with the No. 20 pick. To put things together, Brown will be an Eagle no longer, but is he a Patriot come next month?
A Signing Imminent?
For now, the Patriots are first in line for Brown. The receiver continues to be connected to New England for several months. However, the wideout would have no shortage of suitors if somehow the talks fall apart. Teams like the Chargers, Falcons and 49ers would benefit from an additional pass-catcher.
Brown should be a Patriot, but watch out if other teams become involved if he doesn’t sign with the Patriots for whatever reason.
