The long-awaited deal finally happened on June 1st, and it represents the second major trade of the day.
A surprising trade between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns made waves, but the big news is that AJ Brown is moving to the New England Patriots. The Patriots are set to acquire the wide receiver in exchange for a first-round pick in 2028 and a fifth-round pick in 2027.
Trade grade for Patriots’ AJ Brown contract
The Patriots recently made it to Super Bowl LX, and even though they fell short against the Seattle Seahawks, their future appears promising.
That optimism begins with quarterback Drake Maye.
It’s true that New England has had a relatively easier path to the Super Bowl historically, which has allowed Maye to post impressive numbers that could even qualify him for MVP contention. But, if you look beyond the stats and assess how Maye played at that position before the season started, it becomes clear he’s a franchise quarterback, no matter the competition. His ability to target the middle of the field and execute a vertical passing game really stands out in his gameplay.
These attributes are also reflected in his performance metrics.
Some may question the reliability of NFL passer ratings, but Maye demonstrates a successful knack for attacking downfield from the middle. Interestingly, one area where Brown struggled last year—in the 10 to 20-yard range—is actually one of his strengths.
Noted analyst Greg Cosell shared his thoughts on the potential addition of Brown to the Patriots, stating, “AJ Brown is still an upper-level wideout in the league if he’s motivated.” He elaborated that, “Given his size, hands, competitiveness, and ability to handle contact, he’s capable of thriving between the numbers just like any top receiver.”
He went on to add that while Brown may not be the fastest receiver, his understanding of defensive leverage allows him to exploit blind spots effectively, giving him a vertical advantage on occasion.
The release of Stefon Diggs created a noticeable void in New England’s wide receiver lineup, and bringing in Brown aims to fill that gap. Brown can excel at various levels within the Patriots’ offensive scheme, which seems to favor passing over running.
This contract seems to benefit both the player and the team, making it a logical move that many had anticipated.
Trade grade for Eagles’ AJ Brown contract
The expectation that this deal could fall through meant Howie Roseman had his work cut out for him.
Considering the situation in Philadelphia—where Brown’s discontent with his role in the Eagles’ offense was well-known—and the financial repercussions of a trade post-June 1, the entire NFL community had been eagerly awaiting this transaction.
Throughout the negotiation, there were doubts about whether Roseman could secure a first-round pick for Brown. He managed to negotiate a first-round pick, but it’s scheduled for 2028 rather than 2027.
So, while this might be the best Roseman could achieve, it wasn’t exactly what Eagles fans were hoping for.
Nevertheless, given the circumstances and the predicament the Eagles found themselves in, the outcome reflects a reasonable resolution for a player in a tough spot.
