A.J. Brown to skip Eagles workouts amid Patriots trade talks

The star wideout is skipping the Eagles' voluntary offseason program as he waits for clarity on his future, per NFL Media's Mike Garafolo.

That clarity, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, is expected to take the form of a trade to the New England Patriots, but not until after 1 June.

Here's why that deadline matters and the latest on the potential Brown-to-Patriots trade.

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Why June 1 matters in Brown trade talks

Brown carries a $40 million cap charge for 2026, but a post-June 1 trade would split that figure across this year and next, making the deal significantly more palatable for both clubs.

Per league sources, the deal is still very much alive. The Eagles remain open to moving him, the Patriots remain the frontrunner, and conversations are expected to resume imminently.

As Schefter's source put it, New England will "definitely be engaging then."

Eagles want future picks for Brown

Philadelphia's interest, Schefter reported, is in future assets rather than immediate draft capital. "Picks in 2027 and 2028 are even more enticing to them," said his source.

The motivation for that preference, in addition to wanting to remain competitive long-term, could be, in part, down to what Philly has done to mitigate the drop-off at wide receiver should Brown leave.

Active in free agency, the Eagles have added Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore and Dontayvion Wicks to a room led by DeVonta Smith.

Philadelphia have needs at edge rusher, offensive tackle, and tight end - positions where the talent level may drop off considerably beyond the top options.

But, armed with extra third and fourth-round picks, the Eagles believe they can find enough quality to remain competitive in 2026 while stockpiling for the future.

The prospect of a Maye, Brown and Vrabel trio

Scott Taetsch / Stringer

Like the Eagles, the Patriots have not sat on their hands during free agency, signing former Packer Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million deal to replace the departed Stefon Diggs.

But while New England have a young group of ascending pass-catchers, they know that landing a receiver of Brown's calibre would be a significant upgrade and statement of intent.

It would also mean a reunion for New England head coach Mike Vrabel and Brown, who combined to such devastating effect for their former club, the Tennessee Titans.

Recently, Brown spoke of his respect for his former coach, greasing the wheels of a possible trade.

My verdict: Will Brown join the Patriots?

Nobody can say for certain, but all the signs point to this happening. There's too much noise, the Patriots are clearly interested, and Brown still seems uneasy about his role in the Eagles' offense.

It may be six weeks before we learn the outcome, but New England appears to be closing in on trading for the kind of player who can help them return to the Super Bowl.