The New England Patriots are reportedly very close to trading for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown for 2026. After countless rumors passed through the NFL community, the move is virtually set in stone. However, many in the NFL World aren’t impressed with what the Patriots are giving up.
Patriots Criticized for Offering Eagles 1st-Round Pick for A.J. Brown
The Patriots are on the comeback trail after falling to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60. Head coach Mike Vrabel and company are adamant about getting back to the playoffs, and locking down Brown could be a key difference-maker. With June 1 having finally arrived, the Eagles are in the best possible financial position to trade the wide receiver.
As for the Patriots, however, the NFL world isn’t impressed with what they’re willing to offer for the receiver. Eagles reporter Jeff McLane posted about New England’s reported package for Brown, mentioning how Philly could land a first-round draft pick for the wideout.
Prominent figures around the NFL weighed in on the potential trade package.
“Giving up a first round pick for AJ Brown is a stretch,” former Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel posted.
I must be in the minority because I think a 2028 first-round pick is more than fair.
It feels a tad high to me. https://t.co/IMndqDAang
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) June 1, 2026
“I think compared to other moves, I can see Jeff’s point but in a vaccum, getting a first rounder for AJ with all the questions surrounding his knee, his age (almost 30) and just the way this entire situation has played out — I think that’s a win for Philadelphia,” The Philly Blitz founder Pierre wrote on X. “It’s a first round pick for a veteran player with question marks. I think that’s a win every time.”
Criticism of the Patriots’ giving up a first largely revolved around Brown’s potential value. While he’s still in his prime, he’s had to deal with injuries in his seven years in the NFL.
“There aren’t any other serious suitors, why give up a 1st?” Dallas Cowboys writer Ben Grimaldi posted.
So we got fleeced by Howie. #OK
— That One Boston Fan (@ThatOneBosFan) June 1, 2026
“If true, it’s an overpay, just hope there’s something along with that that works in our favor, but we do need him,” Juan Leyva Torres said on X.
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New England giving up a first for Brown points to strong ambitions for 2026. Romeo Doubs is the only wideout on their roster who could possibly hold his own as a WR1, which Brown is perfectly suited for. According to PFSN’s WR Impact Metric, Brown posted an impact score of 80.9 last season, ranking 21st in the league.
June 1 is upon us, and it’ll be fascinating to see teams’ final roster moves as we ramp up toward the regular season.
