What Happened
While Myles Garrett 's trade from the Browns to the Rams was a surprise, Monday's news that A.J. Brown was being dealt to the Patriots was anything but. But while the Eagles ' decision to deal Brown was a mere formality, the terms of the trade were surprising to say the least. As expected, the Eagles did receive a future first-round pick for Brown, but that won't come until 2028.
Philadelphia received a 2027 fifth-round pick in addition to the Patriots' first-round pick the following year. Usually, teams that trade a player of Brown's caliber receive a first-round pick for the upcoming draft, not one that's two years away. The Browns, for example, will receive a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a third-round pick in 2029 from the Rams in exchange for Garrett.
Brown, who will turn 29 later this month, has now been traded for the second time in his career. A 2019 second-round pick, Brown was dealt to the Eagles in 2022 after things went south for him and the Titans after just three season s. It was a similar ending for Brown in Philadelphia, but not after he helped the Eagles capture two NFC titles and the franchise's second Super Bowl win in 2024.
Why It Matters
In New England, Brown will now look to help the Patriots build off of last year's surprising success that ended with a Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks. The Patriots needed an upgrade at receiver, and the y definitely got one in Brown, a three-time Pro Bowler who is still in his prime.
In Tennessee, Brown helped the Titans capture two division titles while temporarily elevating the career of quarterback Ryan Tannehill. In Philadelphia, Brown developed a strong rapport with Jalen Hurts, culminating in Hurts earning Super Bowl MVP honors.
The Patriots are undoubtedly banking on Brown making a similar impact on Drake Maye, who solidified his standing last season as New England's franchise quarterback. But while Brown is a talent with a proven track record of helping teams succeed, he comes with risks. He has now been traded away from two teams after he emotionally detached himself from both.
What Comes Next
Last season was an especially bad one for Brown, whose cryptic behavior cast a dark cloud over the defending champions for most of the season. Given his track record, Brown will likely wear out his welcome in New England at some point, too. It's on the Patriots to make the most of the ir time with him before the inevitable happens.
Criticizing Howie Roseman for a trade he just made is like criticizing Steven Spielberg before opening night. Roseman is arguably the best general manager in the NFL, a fact reinforced during this year's draft when he pulled off a trade with archrival Dallas that allowed him to acquire Brown's replacement, Makai Lemon. Roseman's work this offseason set the stage for Monday's trade.
He spent this offseason revamping his receiving corps with Lemon, former Packer Dontayvion Wicks, and former Raven/Chief Marquise Brown. Roseman gave Hurts yet another weapon during the draft when he selected tight end Eli Stowers in the second round.