The New England Patriots are very excited to have wide receiver A.J. Brown in the fold. Brown was traded to the team on Monday from the Philadelphia Eagles. The wideout is speaking with reporters Tuesday, and sharing his first impressions of his new head coach.

“I did not like him,” Brown said jokingly about Mike Vrabel with reporters, per the The Boston Globe.

Brown then went on to say how impressed he was with Vrabel. Vrabel returned that compliment, when he also spoke to the news media about Brown’s addition.

“I think he loves football. I think he has a physical skill set. I think he’s got great body control. I think he’s strong at the catch point. But I also think he’s grown as a player and as a receiver,” Vrabel said Tuesday, per the Boston Herald.

Brown was traded to New England for two NFL Draft picks. The Patriots immediately get a dynamic playmaker in Brown. He has had four consecutive seasons in the NFL with at least 1,000 receiving yards.

AJ Brown will get a lot of targets in the Patriots offense

The talented wideout now joins a Patriots offense led by young quarterback Drake Maye. Maye led the Patriots to the Super Bowl during the 2025 NFL season, before losing to the Seattle Seahawks.

Time will tell how Brown fits into Vrabel’s offense. New England has a tough schedule to start the 2026 season.

“The Patriots will be the first team in NFL history to begin the season with four straight games against playoff teams from the previous season after playing in the Super Bowl, according to the Elias Sports Bureau,” ESPN reported.

Brown also shared a farewell message to the city of Philadelphia.

“Playing for this city has been an honor, and I’m thankful for every moment I had in midnight green. Thank you, Philly. Much love always. God bless,” Brown wrote in his farewell message, per ESPN.

Brown joins Romeo Doubs as top targets in the Patriots passing offense.