Philadelphia, PA – March 25, 2025, 12:55 PM PDT
The New England Patriots have reportedly made a blockbuster trade offer for Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown, presenting a package that has given GM Howie Roseman serious pause, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. The proposed deal, which includes the Patriots’ 2025 first-round pick (No. 21), second-round pick (No. 34), wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, and a 2026 third-round pick, could tempt the Eagles to part with their WR1 as they navigate a critical offseason.

Brown, 27, has been a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offense since being traded from the Tennessee Titans in 2022, amassing 67 receptions, 1,079 yards, and 7 touchdowns in 13 games during the 2024 season, despite it being his lowest output in three years with the team. His 5 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, 3 Pro Bowl selections, and 2 Second-team All-Pro honors make him one of the NFL’s elite receivers (web ID: 2, 15). However, the Eagles’ recent Super Bowl LIX victory and a $31.6 million dead cap hit if traded before June 1—or $10.8 million after—have made trade rumors seem far-fetched until now (web ID: 0, 3).

2025 Philadelphia Eagles Collection

The Patriots’ offer is substantial: their No. 21 and No. 34 picks in the 2025 draft, Bourne—a reliable WR3 with 37 catches, 405 yards, and 1 touchdown in 2024—and a 2026 third-round pick. The package could allow the Eagles to address their dire needs at cornerback and defensive end, positions weakened by the departures of Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Josh Sweat, and Milton Williams (web ID: 1, 23). With the No. 21 pick, the Eagles could target a top CB like Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina, while the No. 34 pick could land an edge rusher like James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee (web ID: 17).

For the Patriots, Brown would instantly become the WR1 that rookie QB Drake Maye desperately needs, elevating an offense that struggled in 2024. With over $127 million in cap space, New England can easily absorb Brown’s $26.5 million cap hit in 2025, and his familiarity with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel from their Titans days adds to the appeal (web ID: 20). However, the trade would come at a steep cost for the Patriots, who are in a rebuilding phase after two consecutive 4-13 seasons (web ID: 10).