Trade rumors linking A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots continue to gain momentum across the league. The idea of a deal already being lined up has gained traction, especially given the Patriots’ status as a clean fit. ESPN’s Adam Schefter pushed back on that part of the speculation while still leaving the door open to a potential move.
Adam Schefter Shuts Down A.J. Brown ‘Handshake Agreement’ Rumors
Spring is the time of year in the NFL calendar when things tend to get a bit ridiculous. Speaking on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Schefter addressed the speculation of a “handshake agreement” and rejected the idea that anything is already in place between the Philadelphia Eagles and Patriots.
“My understanding recently was such that the Eagles weren’t going to rush to make a move that if they made the move, it would come after June 1st,” Schefter said.
That timeline aligns with how teams manage cap implications and suggests that, if a move happens, it is still weeks away. Schefter also addressed the growing belief that the deal’s framework is already set. He went further, pointing out that New England is not a team that operates that way.
“But there is not under-the-table, to my knowledge, handshake agreement between the two sides to get AJ Brown to New England,” he added. “They’re not going to bend the rules and take chances and do handshake deals under the table.”
Why the Patriots Remain a Logical Fit for Brown
Even with the denial, New England continues to come up in conversations for a reason. The Patriots need a true No. 1 receiver to pair with quarterback Drake Maye, and Brown fits that role as well as any player who could realistically become available.
At 28, Brown remains a high-end producer. His combination of size, physicality, and run-after-catch ability makes him a difficult matchup for any defense. That profile will always hold value across the league.
His production backs it up. Brown finished last season with an 80.9 grade in PFSN’s Wide Receiver Impact Metric. That marked the first time during his tenure in Philadelphia that he fell outside the top 10 at the position, a detail that has only fueled speculation about his future.
Even with that dip, his overall profile remains that of a true No. 1 receiver. Few players at the position can consistently create explosive plays the way Brown can.
The Patriots are not the only team monitoring that situation, but their roster construction makes the fit obvious.
What Will Decide the Outcome of a Brown Trade?
Schefter outlined why nothing is locked in despite the growing buzz. The Eagles have not shown urgency to move Brown and have already added depth at the position, including signing Marquise Brown. That gives them the ability to wait and evaluate their options rather than forcing a deal early.
“If AJ Brown is still available on June 1st and they still have a need on June 1st, that becomes a very logical destination,” Schefter said.
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There is also a broader market dynamic at play. Recent wide receiver movement, including deals involving players like Jaylen Waddle, has given teams a clearer framework for what a potential trade could look like. Any deal involving Brown would likely follow a similar structure.
The speculation continues to build, but the situation remains open-ended. Interest is there. The fit makes sense. The timing and direction of both teams will ultimately decide whether anything happens.
