Heading into the 2026 NFL offseason, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown has emerged as the latest star who could be on the move. One team rumored as a potential destination is the AFC champion New England Patriots. As speculation continues to build, Brown’s teammate Saquon Barkley responded to the rumors.
Saquon Barkley Breaks Silence on A.J. Brown Speculation
On Friday afternoon, Barkley appeared on ESPN’s NFL Live to discuss the Eagles’ offseason plans and the franchise’s direction moving forward. During the segment, he was asked about the ongoing trade rumors surrounding Brown and what the star wideout thinks of the Patriots organization.
Immediately, Barkley responded with a comment that Eagles fans likely did not want to hear, saying, “He [Brown] is a huge Patriot fan… He’s always been a big Patriots fan.” The running back added, “Tom Brady… was throwing him the ball, so for him [Brown]… he was like a kid in a candy store.”
Moments later, the host questioned Barkley, noting, “That doesn’t mean Eagles fans should be panicked or anything like that, because he loves the Patriots?” The running back closed by replying, “No, I don’t think so.”
Typically, once a player reaches the NFL, fandom takes a backseat, and their full attention shifts to their current team. However, Brown may not have completely distanced himself from the Patriots. After spending three seasons in Tennessee and four in Philadelphia, his next move could very well be to his childhood team.
Brown is under contract for three years and $96 million through 2029, but that does not necessarily guarantee his long-term future in Philadelphia. The seventh-year wideout finished with 78 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns, yet there have been signs of a disconnect between Brown, Jalen Hurts, and the coaching staff.
At 28 and still firmly in his prime, Brown could be exactly what New England needs to elevate its offense. The Patriots’ receiving corps struggled to create separation and generate explosive plays down the stretch last season.
Meanwhile, Brown posted an 80.9 WR Impact Score in 2025 and a 91.4 mark in 2024, according to PFSN’s WR Impact metric. His proven skill set and production would immediately make him the alpha target in a Drake Maye-led offense next season.
Then again, nothing is set in stone. Brown could very well return to Philadelphia next season or land somewhere entirely different. With free agency approaching, it will be worth monitoring the Eagles’ upcoming decisions, especially regarding Brown’s future.
