Former Ole Miss receiver and current NFL star AJ Brown is reportedly expected to be traded this summer.
After beginning his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans, Brown was moved to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played a big role on their Super Bowl LIX-winning offense. Now, Brown is reportedly headed to another contender.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Brown is “likely” to be acquired by the New England Patriots once the new league year begins on June 1. The reason for the delay is Brown’s $40 million salary cap charge, which could be split between 2026 and 2027 if he’s moved after June 1.
Here’s an excerpt from Schefter’s report:
All the elements remain in place to make it happen, and Brown to the Patriots is still the likely outcome … just not during this week’s draft, per sources. Put the trade on hold just for now, but things will soon quickly warm back up. The Eagles remain open to trading Brown, the Patriots remain highly interested in acquiring the star receiver, and conversations are expected to resume shortly on or before June 1, probably culminating in a deal, per league sources.
Schefter added that there’s no urgency from Philadelphia to get a deal done before the 2026 NFL Draft later this week, noting that the Eagles are interested in acquiring draft capital in 2027 and 2028.
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Brown has been among the most productive and consistent receivers in the NFL during his 7-year career so far. He’s gone for at least 1,000 receiving yards in 6 of those campaigns and has made 4 All-Pro teams.
Brown would be joining a Patriots team that’s led by quarterback Drake Maye, but lacks high-end receiver talent. Stefon Diggs was the only Patriots wide receiver to clear 600 yards last season, but he’s set to turn 33 years old during the 2026 season.
The Patriots will have Super Bowl aspirations once again next season.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
