New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has reignited speculation about a potential trade for Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown, following some intriguing remarks he made recently. During an appearance on The Greg Hill Show, Vrabel responded to a lighthearted comment from the host about Brown reading a book on the sidelines during the Eagles‘ Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers. Vrabel quipped, “Maybe if you provide a free book on the sidelines, you might be able to get a certain wide receiver here,” subtly hinting at his interest in bringing Brown to the Patriots.
Brown, a standout wide receiver in the NFL, has a history with Vrabel from their time together in Tennessee. Drafted by the Titans in 2019, Brown quickly emerged as a key player in their offense, but his trade to the Eagles in 2022 left Vrabel disappointed. Interestingly, Brown has previously expressed admiration for the Patriots, his childhood team, making a potential reunion with Vrabel in New England an appealing possibility for the Pro Bowl receiver.
Despite his strong connection to Vrabel and the Patriots, Brown is still under contract with the Eagles after signing a lucrative extension last offseason. However, trade rumors have persisted, partly fueled by speculation that Brown may not be fully satisfied with his role in Philadelphia’s offense. During the Eagles’ playoff win over Green Bay, he was targeted just three times, sparking questions about his place in the offense under quarterback Jalen Hurts.
A trade could provide a much-needed boost for the Patriots‘ offense, particularly as they look to give rookie quarterback Drake Maye a top-tier receiving weapon. With Tyquan Thornton released in 2024, the Patriots’ receiving corps is in transition. A deal could see New England part with wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and DeMario Douglas to make room for Brown, significantly strengthening their offense.
However, the Ravens and Chargers could also be in the mix if Brown becomes available. Baltimore, dealing with injuries to Zay Flowers and underperformance from Diontae Johnson, could use Brown as a reliable target for quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Chargers, with ample cap space, might offer a competitive package for the star wideout, providing quarterback Justin Herbert with a proven playmaker.
While all of this remains speculative, Vrabel’s comments have added fuel to the fire. Whether the Patriots or another team manages to land Brown in a blockbuster deal remains to be seen, but the trade rumors are likely to continue swirling.
