2026-06-16 · NESN

The Philadelphia Eagles recently made headlines with the trade of star wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots. This significant offseason move has sparked discussions among NFL scouts, executives, and coaches about the implications for both teams. An anonymous NFL executive highlighted three major concerns regarding Brown: his knee injury history, character issues, and the draft picks involved in the trade. The Patriots acquired Brown by sending a fifth-round pick in 2027 and a first-round pick in 2028 to the Eagles. Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf acknowledged the team's awareness of Brown's knee issues, stating that their medical staff approved the trade. The departure of Brown from the Eagles has raised eyebrows, with some, including Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, labeling him an 'obvious traitor' due to the circumstances surrounding his exit from the NFC East team. As the NFL season approaches, the impact of this trade on both the Eagles and the Patriots remains to be seen, particularly how Brown's performance will influence New England's offense.