Patriots Rumor A.J. Brown trade rumors heat up - Should Patriots get him?

[LightSkinSmurf]

I don't think you want Brown over Boutte. Boutte made a critical one-handed grab for a touchdown reception in that playoff game against Houston, while Brown had multiple drops that cost Philly in their loss. I understand Brown's ceiling being higher in theory, but he didn't look like that player when it mattered.

That game was eye-opening to me and turned me off of him. The Patriots need guys who can step up in the postseason, and Brown killed his team in that game. I'd rather keep Boutte and see who else might be out there.

We should move on from digs then. I forgot he was even on the team once the postseason started.

 

[Real fan 02]

I don't think you want Brown over Boutte. Boutte made a critical one-handed grab for a touchdown reception in that playoff game against Houston, while Brown had multiple drops that cost Philly in their loss. I understand Brown's ceiling being higher in theory, but he didn't look like that player when it mattered.

That game was eye-opening to me and turned me off of him. The Patriots need guys who can step up in the postseason, and Brown killed his team in that game. I'd rather keep Boutte and see who else might be out there.

Agreed. I think Brown wasn't mentally engaged especially down the stretch in Philly... you could see the sideline Blowups with hurts the OC and Sirranni.. nothing Physically concerns me about AJ.. same with randy moss in 2006 he had similar bad body language that season.. at LVR.. his skills were for from diminished.

I'd absolutely keep Boutte he's become a proven play maker in the offense and hadn't he gotten hurt this season maybe he's a 800-900 yard wr wich he was on pace to being. If we don't go the AJ brown route then TE is the position we need to upgrade with youth and Athletiscm..

 

[Ian]

Agreed. I think Brown wasn't mentally engaged especially down the stretch in Philly... you could see the sideline Blowups with hurts the OC and Sirranni.. nothing Physically concerns me about AJ.. same with randy moss in 2006 he had similar bad body language that season.. at LVR.. his skills were for from diminished.

I'd absolutely keep Boutte he's become a proven play maker in the offense and hadn't he gotten hurt this season maybe he's a 800-900 yard wr wich he was on pace to being. If we don't go the AJ brown route then TE is the position we need to upgrade with youth and Athletiscm..

Not only that, but if they can find a long-term solution for a more dynamic threat, it changes things, and Boutte becomes an even more dangerous player. Diggs' presence did that for a good portion of the season. They just need someone else who can demand more attention when it comes to stretching the field, because teams blanketed Boutte in the postseason, knowing he was their best deep threat. If you get one more guy who can also do that, Boutte will have more one-on-one opportunities. Maybe Kyle Williams turns into a guy who takes a step forward in 2026, but he's not a big physical target. Although he also won a few one-on-ones and was definitely a nice surprise this year. He just needs to do a better job getting on the same page in this offense.

Diggs, despite his production, probably won't be their best solution long-term. He's been shifty and was a good player, but he's not an explosive game-breaker anymore. And at 32, he's probably got one more year before they'd have to replace him. I just don't know if I'd invest in Brown. At least not after what he did this postseason.

 

[Iceman]

i'd pass on Brown, selfish player as only cares about his touches as opposed to team wins. no thanks, have a good environment dont need to disrupt it with a bad attitude 29 yr old.

 

[XLIX]

I wasn't debating. All I did was post the frikin actual numbers

You posted the exact same number I did. They were completely redundant and, as is your tendency, added absolutely nothing.

. So, Mr. Unaware, the Pats are not waiting until 6/2 to trade for AJ Brown as the first option. The team is built by then. Just like I said. I don't see your theory happening. It’s not Philly friendly.

Are you ******ed? Two teams can easily make a trade post June 1. They can even agree to the trade beforehand and simply wait for June 1 to make it official.

In fact, several articles I have read theorizing the Patriots may trade for Brown said it would make the most sense to do it post June 1.

You’re the only dipshit who, for reasons known but to God, refuses to consider that as a possibility.

 

[Real fan 02]

Not only that, but if they can find a long-term solution for a more dynamic threat, it changes things, and Boutte becomes an even more dangerous player. Diggs' presence did that for a good portion of the season. They just need someone else who can demand more attention when it comes to stretching the field, because teams blanketed Boutte in the postseason, knowing he was their best deep threat. If you get one more guy who can also do that, Boutte will have more one-on-one opportunities. Maybe Kyle Williams turns into a guy who takes a step forward in 2026, but he's not a big physical target. Although he also won a few one-on-ones and was definitely a nice surprise this year. He just needs to do a better job getting on the same page in this offense.

Diggs, despite his production, probably won't be their best solution long-term. He's been shifty and was a good player, but he's not an explosive game-breaker anymore. And at 32, he's probably got one more year before they'd have to replace him. I just don't know if I'd invest in Brown. At least not after what he did this postseason.

It's easy for us to say that now as fans.. but if you look at Browns totality of work he's proven and hasn't lost a step.. the guy is from what I've seen on him takes really good care of his body and is a specimen.. that alone shows a commitment to his craft.

I agree with you Ian. Also Adding that if they don't add at WR I'll continue to post on the ideas of Adding a K. Pitts at TE.. he's ultra athletic can stress defenses and open up things for Boutte, Diggs, Williams and Hollins.. can find a blocking TE in the draft or FAs.. need to get younger ans more dynamic at TE.. K. Williams is another interesting player.. should he in wich I expect take the year 2 jump then this offense is ultra explosive.

For example remember how unstoppable Our offense was with Hernandez at TE?

 

[The Gr8est]

Even a 3rd is a little too rich for my blood. 4th and a 6th? 5th and 2 6ths, sure.

Otherwise?



Multiple first round picks for AJ Brown is batshit crazytown. Then again, you had people here who wanted to trade a first for Justin Fields, so...

Here is a good spot to stick this comment in.

Is it just me, or did it seem to anyone else that BB didn’t drive a hard bargain in trades, often taking less than I thought a player was worth?

 

[XLIX]

Throwing away $72M of cap money is NOT, is NOT, is NOT incredibly cap friendly. It makes almost no difference whether you spread the cost out. The cost is still $72M.

No ****, Sherlock, that’s the point I was making. The argument to which I was responding stated that it is not cap friendly for Philly to trade Brown.

Philly owes him a ton. If they keep Brown, they have to allocate $72 million of cap space to him. Obviously it can be spread out but to quote you (and I agree with this) “$72M of cap money is NOT, is NOT, is NOT incredibly cap friendly. It makes almost no difference whether you spread the cost out.”

So you’re supporting my point.

If they trade him post June 1, that $72 million becomes a net (key word: NET) of $20 million. They can wipe a net of $52 million off their books by trading him.

That’s a cap friendly trade if ever one existed.

 

[Rob0729]

Brown would seem to make Boutte redundant. Wonder if a 3rd and Boutte would get it done?

IDK, If you get Brown, you can move Boutte to the Z. I think he might be more effective as a Z receiver since he is a contested catch guy rather than a guy who consistently gets separation.

 

[Rob0729]

I don't think you want Brown over Boutte. Boutte made a critical one-handed grab for a touchdown reception in that playoff game against Houston, while Brown had multiple drops that cost Philly in their loss. I understand Brown's ceiling being higher in theory, but he didn't look like that player when it mattered.

That game was eye-opening to me and turned me off of him. The Patriots need guys who can step up in the postseason, and Brown killed his team in that game. I'd rather keep Boutte and see who else might be out there.

Prior to the playoff game this season, Brown went two complete seasons with only one drop. He has sure hands. I don't know what was going on with him in that playoff game, but Brown usually has the best hands in the league.

 

[mgteich]

No ****, Sherlock, that’s the point I was making. The argument to which I was responding stated that it is not cap friendly for Philly to trade Brown.

Philly owes him a ton. If they keep Brown, they have to allocate $72 million of cap space to him. Obviously it can be spread out but to quote you (and I agree with this) “$72M of cap money is NOT, is NOT, is NOT incredibly cap friendly. It makes almost no difference whether you spread the cost out.”

So you’re supporting my point.

If they trade him post June 1, that $72 million becomes a net (key word: NET) of $20 million. They can wipe a net of $52 million off their books by trading him.

That’s a cap friendly trade if ever one existed.

ABsolutely. If they can get someone to pay the $52M, then the GM should be up for executive of the year.

 

[Real fan 02]

IDK, If you get Brown, you can move Boutte to the Z. I think he might be more effective as a Z receiver since he is a contested catch guy rather than a guy who consistently gets separation.

Rob,

If we don't add AJ I believe personally the move should be at TE.. the TE position has really been important look at Josh Allen what he's able to do with his TEs they carry that offense... we need to become more dynamic at TE

 

[ScottishPatriots]

AJ Brown is a player on the decline based on the amount of drops he's had recently and his apparent lack of care, he is also someone who isn't happy winning if he doesn't get spammed with targets, no thanks.

The Eagles won a championship and he was miserable, they made the playoffs and he was miserable and he had over 1000 yards both of those seasons.

He would rather have 1500 yards for a .500 team than 1000 for a contender.

You also have to give up assets to get him, i would rather pay Alec Pierce who is 3 years younger and might not be a name but he is getting better every year and just put up 1000 yards and better deep ball stats with much worse QB play and you don't have to give up picks.

 

[Rob0729]

Rob,

If we don't add AJ I believe personally the move should be at TE.. the TE position has really been important look at Josh Allen what he's able to do with his TEs they carry that offense... we need to become more dynamic at TE

I think the Pats should consider doing both. With Maye on a rookie deal, they can easily trade for Brown (who would likely redo his contract to make it more cap friendly) and sign a guy like Likely or Pitts.

They need to upgrade the weapons on this team and get younger at TE. I think they may be signing Chig Okonkwo as their #2 TE too. He has a history with Vrabel. Henry was great in the regular season, but fell off down the stretch and in the playoffs (except the Chargers game) and is older.

 

[Real fan 02]

I think the Pats should consider doing both. With Maye on a rookie deal, they can easily trade for Brown (who would likely redo his contract to make it more cap friendly) and sign a guy like Likely or Pitts.

They need to upgrade the weapons on this team and get younger at TE. I think they may be signing Chig Okonkwo as their #2 TE too. He has a history with Vrabel. Henry was great in the regular season, but fell off down the stretch and in the playoffs (except the Chargers game) and is older.

Great points. I first mentioned pitts over a month ago.. was told he was soft,ect.. couldn't block ect, ect ect.. the guys talented.. he's young and coming off an all pro season.. he can still add to his game under a excellent coaching staff and play with an elite QB..

I absolutely love AJ and want him at WR.. we can still keep a majority of the guys we have now and still have both guys at WR &TE..

Diggs, AJ Brown, Boutte, Hollins, Williams at WR

Henry* Pitts, Okonkwo at TE..

Just being more dynamic at those two positions make it difficult for defenses to stop us.. it prevents them from playing a 2 HIGH look. It will also help with the running game.. rham and Henderson will have open lanes all day..

 

[KCSVEN]

The cap hit pre-June 1 is crazy high. Post June 1 means Eagles can only receive 2027 draft picks, no picks in 2026.

Eagles have a new OC, they also have several free agents, they are not trading Brown pre-June 1 and post June 1 seems unlikely and might require a first round pick for them to even consider.

Brown is talking like he's not asking for a trade either.

Brown was just quoted "When I got to Philly, man, Philly welcomed me with open arms. That's home, man, and I love them. You know, sometimes change is not a bad thing. I have the utmost respect for K.P. To me, he did a tremendous job, and he has a great heart. But I'm excited for the season. I'm excited for what's to come.”
"As an offense, we just come back and just really watch the tape and, like said earlier, rediscover ourselves and got to work each and every day," Brown said. "Being accountable and take it one day at a time. We have great leaders in our locker room and I'm fortunate to be a part of that, especially on offense. We do have a lot of talent, but talent gets us nowhere."

 

[Joey007]

I think I'd pass. Seems to have lost a step and he has a bad attitude in a winning situation already. How are you going ot be miserable as the #1 WR on a super bowl contender?

Obviously there is a Vrabel connection and any quality player makes sense at a certain price, but I don't see it.

I’m not ready to determine if that step is lost yet. I came away very surprised he still posted 1,000 yards in spite of the offense Philly was running last year.

 

[XLIX]

ABsolutely. If they can get someone to pay the $52M, then the GM should be up for executive of the year.

Exactly. The (hypothetical) trade is very friendly to Philly.

As for the (hypothetical) new team? Well that’s what restructures are for.

 

[Ring 6]

No ****, Sherlock, that’s the point I was making. The argument to which I was responding stated that it is not cap friendly for Philly to trade Brown.

Philly owes him a ton. If they keep Brown, they have to allocate $72 million of cap space to him. Obviously it can be spread out but to quote you (and I agree with this) “$72M of cap money is NOT, is NOT, is NOT incredibly cap friendly. It makes almost no difference whether you spread the cost out.”

So you’re supporting my point.

If they trade him post June 1, that $72 million becomes a net (key word: NET) of $20 million. They can wipe a net of $52 million off their books by trading him.

That’s a cap friendly trade if ever one existed.

You would rather have no one for 20 mill than a top receiver for 72?
It amounts to a net of 3 years for 52 mill which is peanuts for a WR1

 

[UGAPatsfan]

I don't think you want Brown over Boutte. Boutte made a critical one-handed grab for a touchdown reception in that playoff game against Houston, while Brown had multiple drops that cost Philly in their loss. I understand Brown's ceiling being higher in theory, but he didn't look like that player when it mattered.

That game was eye-opening to me and turned me off of him. The Patriots need guys who can step up in the postseason, and Brown killed his team in that game. I'd rather keep Boutte and see who else might be out there.

Fair points but I’d ask (and am) this?

Is Brown’s performance last year because he’s lost speed/ability, or it because WR’s can be total headcases and when they mentally check out, the physical follows?

For whatever reason, Brown clearly doesn’t want to be there.

Moss looked absolutely WASHED his last season in Oakland. Looked just fine when he got to NE.

Boutte is a contested catch guy, but is not particularly fast, explosive, or elusive.

To me, he’s. #3 specific use-case guy.

Brown, at least at one point, was a guy defenses had to plan for.

What I don’t know, is WHY he wasn’t that last year.


I do know NE needs a true playmaker for Drake.

How they get one doesn’t matter to me.