Eagles Trade A.J. Brown to Patriots for Future First-Round Pick

On June 1, 2026 the Philadelphia Eagles sent wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots. In exchange the Eagles received New England’s 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick, and spread Brown’s dead-money over two years for cap relief.

New York Times

After the 2025 season, Brown told general manager Howie Roseman he wanted a fresh start. Roseman said the conversations were “positive and honest” and that the team faced upcoming contract extensions for younger players. Roseman, the Eagles’ GM, guided the trade to secure future assets.

New York Times

The 2028 first-rounder could be higher than a 2026 late first-round pick, offering the Eagles a “huge game-changer.” Possessing two first-round selections in 2028 gives flexibility to add top talent, while the 2027 fifth-rounder adds depth. The cap relief lets the team allocate money elsewhere.

New York Times

Roseman described the deal as a “win-win” that meets the Eagles’ goal of acquiring a future first-round pick and provides financial flexibility. He noted that Brown’s departure must be offset by multiple receivers and expressed confidence that the 2028 draft will “significantly improve the squad.”

New York Times

Analysts observed that the trade does not immediately bolster the Eagles’ receiving corps. Replacing a player of Brown’s caliber will rely on contributions from younger receivers, creating a short-term roster gap.

New York Times

• “I think that when we looked at the totality of the circumstances and having the conversations we had with him, felt like where we were, where we were going, where he was, that if we could find something that kind of achieved our goals of getting a first-round pick going forward here in the near future, getting the money back to spend on other players on our team and other teams, and it was a win-win situation based on where he was and how he felt, we were open to that,” — Howie Roseman, Eagles General Manager

New York Times

• “For us to take a 2026 pick, and that’s a late first-round pick, and obviously also have to deal with the cap consequences that come with making a trade prior to June 1, it made some sense for us to look at future picks,” — Howie Roseman, Eagles General Manager

New York Times

• “You can have a really good run with somebody, and just feel like, ‘Hey, the next stage of my career, I feel like it will be better served, kind of starting fresh’,” — Howie Roseman, Eagles General Manager

New York Times

• “But there’s no doubt that A.J. Brown was a huge, huge part of our football team, a great player for us,” — Howie Roseman, Eagles General Manager

New York Times

The Eagles will enter the 2028 draft with two first-round picks and will count on receivers DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks and Hollywood Brown to fill Brown’s vacancy while the team builds around the new assets.

New York Times