A.J. Brown Joins New England Patriots: Trade Completed, Physical Cleared, First Practice

On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the Patriots completed a trade with the Eagles that sent wide receiver A.J. Brown to New England for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Brown passed the required physical and took part in a voluntary practice at Gillette Stadium.

First look at A.J. Brown catching passes from Drake Maye already has fans going wild

Brown fell to the Titans at No. 51 in the 2019 draft after the Patriots chose N’Keal Harry. Growing up in Starkville, Mississippi, he idolized Tom Brady and longed to play for New England. The trade fulfills that childhood dream.

Boston Herald

The move involves A.J. Brown (three-time Pro Bowler), head coach Mike Vrabel (who coached Brown in Tennessee), quarterback Drake Maye, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, receivers coach Todd Downing, and former Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is the godfather of Brown’s daughter.

Boston Herald

Brown has 339 receptions for 5,034 yards and 32 touchdowns in 62 games (61 starts). He posted 72.5 catches and 1,041 yards per season over his last two years and holds the Eagles’ single-season receiving records (1,496 in 2022, 1,456 in 2023).

A.J. Brown on Jalen Hurts: 'Not as close as we once were'

Vrabel praised Brown’s physical skill set, body control and consistency. McDaniels compared his rare physicality to former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Downing noted Brown’s competitiveness and football IQ, saying there are no concerns about his fit. Brown said his knee has not limited him and he is ready to go.

Boston Herald

Reports flagged lingering knee concerns after Brown missed two games in 2025 and four in 2024. The Eagles’ internal dysfunction that preceded his trade was mentioned but not explained, fueling speculation about locker-room issues.

Boston Herald

Brown said his bond with former teammate Jalen Hurts is “not as close as we once were,” yet also stressed “nothing but love” and no bad blood. Sources differ on the depth of their relationship, and no official comment clarifies the alleged Eagles dysfunction.

A.J. Brown on Jalen Hurts: 'Not as close as we once were'

Brown provides New England its first elite receiver in years, expected to boost Maye’s growth and expand the Patriots’ passing attack. He joins a receiver group with Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams, enhancing deep-ball and red-zone options.

First look at A.J. Brown catching passes from Drake Maye already has fans going wild

Brown will take limited reps in OTAs, work on timing with Maye, and aim to be fully integrated before the preseason. The Patriots’ regular-season opener is set for early September 2026.

First look at A.J. Brown catching passes from Drake Maye already has fans going wild

• “He loves football. He has a physical skill set. I think he has great body control and can be strong at the catch point,” — Mike Vrabel, Head Coach, New England Patriots

NBC Sports

• “Not as close as we once were,” — A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver

A.J. Brown on Jalen Hurts: 'Not as close as we once were'

• “Everything.” — A.J. Brown, on playing with Drake Maye

Boston Herald

• “No injury, nothing to worry about,” — A.J. Brown, on his knee health

Boston Herald