Story perspectives

Patriots Trade for A.J. Brown, Release Stefon Diggs

7/15/2026

Summary

Patriots Acquire Brown

Patriots acquired wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Eagles for a 2028 first-round and 2027 fifth-round pick.
Brown recorded 78 catches, 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025.
Patriots signed safety Kevin Byard III to a one-year, $9 million contract.
Patriots cut wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who had 85 receptions and 1,013 yards last season.
Patriots signed Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million deal to serve as the No. 2 receiver.

Summary

Brown Forces Adjustments

Patriots safety Kevin Byard says Brown’s No. 1 receiver status will force opponents to alter defenses, opening opportunities for rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will rotate Brown across alignments instead of keeping him solely outside, and expects him to receive a volume of targets in training camp.
The Patriots’ depth chart lists Romeo Doubs as the primary No. 2 receiver, with other receivers competing for secondary roles behind Brown.

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Patriots Acquire Brown

Patriots acquired wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Eagles for a 2028 first-round and 2027 fifth-round pick.
Brown recorded 78 catches, 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025.
Patriots signed safety Kevin Byard III to a one-year, $9 million contract.
Patriots cut wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who had 85 receptions and 1,013 yards last season.
Patriots signed Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million deal to serve as the No. 2 receiver.

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