It is unclear where the last-minute speculation came from, but several insiders reported in recent days that the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles were not on the same page when it came to the much-anticipated A.J. Brown trade.
Ian Rapoport, one of the NFL’s most respected insiders, even said as recently as Wednesday that the two sides were “not particularly close” on reaching an agreement. He predicted that the negotiations could “drag on” well into the offseason.
Well, for what it’s worth, Sunday’s newest report directly contradicts that report.
Insider Jason La Canfora told his nearly half a million X followers that he has spoken to general managers around the league who not only know the deal is in place, but know that the Patriots will be giving up a first-round pick to get it done.
“Multiple NFL executives said over the weekend that they believe the Eagles will trade star receiver AJ Brown to New England this week, with one general manager saying the Eagles will land a 2028 first-round pick for him,” Canfora reported.
Canfora went on to say that the Eagles were, in fact, fielding other offers around the league. Perhaps that’s why the price was driven all the way up to a first-round pick. Either way, the Patriots get the player they desperately wanted and needed.
“One general manager, who is not involved in the process but has been in contact with several parties who are, said: ‘I hear it’s New England for a 2028 first-round pick. He’s a good football player, but that’s a helluva deal for (Eagles GM) Howie (Roseman),'” Canfora wrote.
The deal is expected to be done on June 1, as soon as the 4:00 PM deadline expires.
