Do Patriots have 'leverage' regarding potential trade for Eagles WR A.J. Brown?

A previous report indicated that Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman could make a final decision about whether or not to trade mercurial wide receiver A.J. Brown this offseason before the "legal tampering" portion of free agency got underway on Monday.

Brown remained on the Philadelphia roster through Monday night, but it seems there is still at least a chance that he will begin the 2026 season as a member of a different club. 

Who has "leverage" regarding the future of A.J. Brown?

For a piece published late Monday night, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated noted that the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills are teams on Brown’s supposed "wish list" if Roseman pulls the trigger on a trade. According to Breer, the Patriots appear "to be the only team from that group really in on the idea of trading for the 28-year-old three-time All-Pro" as of the second Tuesday of March. 

"That would seem to give the Patriots some leverage," Breer continued. "But on the flip side, Brown is really the only top-shelf receiver on the trade market, which gives the Eagles leverage."

The Patriots and other teams won't have an opportunity to sign Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce, as it was learned on Monday that Pierce will be staying with the Colts. As for the Patriots, their decision to part ways with veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs created an additional need for a passing attack that was already lacking multiple dynamic weapons.  

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was Brown's head coach when they were with the Tennessee Titans from 2019-21.

It sounds like potential A.J. Brown trade isn't imminent

Breer added that the situation involving the Patriots and Eagles may become "a staring contest" that lasts for the foreseeable future. Roseman reportedly wants at least a first-round draft pick and a second-round choice in return for Brown, and the Eagles could wait until June 1 to officially complete a trade. 

Brown signed a three-year, $96M extension with $84M in guaranteed money in the spring of 2024. It's unclear if he would ask the Patriots or a different team for an extension following a possible trade.