Mike Vrabel Was Asked About A.J. Brown, Patriots Trade Rumor

While there's plenty of drama surrounding Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots right now, it sounds like the front office is working on a trade for A.J. Brown. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to trade Brown after June 1. A move that late in the offseason ...

by Chris Rosvoglou

Apr 22, 2026

Mike Vrabel at Super Bowl Media Day.

While there's plenty of drama surrounding Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots right now, it sounds like the front office is working on a trade for A.J. Brown.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to trade Brown after June 1. A move that late in the offseason would allow the front office to split up his salary cap hit over the next two years.

Though a deal isn't done yet, Schefter said the Patriots have emerged as the clear favorite for the All-Pro wide receiver.

"No matter what happens at this week's draft, an A.J. Brown trade to the Patriots is still on the table and still tracking to happen on or after June 1, per league sources. The two sides have discussed a deal, but neither has been willing to commit to it until after June 1, when Brown's $40 million salary cap charge would be split between this and next year," Schefter wrote. "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 for now, but things will soon quickly warm back up."

Dec 20, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) leaves the field after the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

During this Tuesday's media availability, Vrabel was asked about the Patriots potentially pursuing Brown in a trade.

Although he didn't mention Brown by name, Vrabel made it known that New England wants to improve its roster.

"I mean, I think we are going to continue to try to strengthen our team," Vrabel said, via Brian Hines of patspulpit.com. "The first focus is going to be on Thursday night and making sure that we get that right, and then we’ll focus on Friday. Saturday is always an important day."

Would A.J. Brown be the missing piece to New England's puzzle?

As of right now, Romeo Doubs and Kayshon Boutte are set to be the top weapons for New England's offense. Neither wideout has ever had 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.

Brown, on the other hand, has hauled in 339 passes for 5,034 yards and 32 touchdowns since joining the Eagles in 2022. There's no doubt he'd immediately become the No. 1 option in the passing game for the Patriots.

If the Patriots add Brown to the mix, Drake Maye would have more than enough options at his disposal.