The worst-kept secret in the NFL is that star wide receiver A.J. Brown is expected to be traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the New England Patriots on or after June 1.
Adding a player of Brown’s caliber — he’s a three-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro, and a Super Bowl champion — would likely make the Patriots favorites to get back to the Super Bowl next season.
The Patriots currently have 12 wide receivers under contract for 2026, and one of them, DeMario Douglas spoke to reporters on Sunday night — the eve of the expected trade — about how he feels personally about Brown possibly joining the Pats.
“If he comes, that’d be amazing,” Douglas told reporters. “He’s a good guy. I follow him on Instagram to see what he does. He’s a ball-player too.”
Douglas had a breakout season in 2024, recording 66 receptions, 621 yards, and three touchdowns, but his production fell off last season with the arrival of Stefon Diggs. Douglas totaled 35 fewer catches and nearly 200 fewer yards in 2025.
Brown’s arrival would likely push Douglas ever further down the depth chart.
The Patriots signed Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract this offseason. He’d likely be the team’s WR2 behind Brown, leaving Douglas to battle with Kayshon Boutte (33 catches, 551 yards, six touchdowns) and Mack Hollins (46 catches, 550 yards, two touchdowns) for the WR3 spot.
Brown has been rumored to be New England bound for months given his history with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel from their time together with the Tennessee Titans, and the fact that the Pats are seemingly the only team willing to meet the Eagles’ high asking price (reportedly a first-round pick).
After cutting Diggs, who had 1,013 yards receiving and 85 receptions last season, the Patriots WR corps is shaping up to be even better in 2026.
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