Former Teammate Openly Courts AJ Brown to Join Him on Patriots

AJ Brown has long been linked to a move to the New England Patriots, especially as they were his favorite team growing up.

Former Teammate Openly Courts AJ Brown to Join Him on Patriots

AJ Brown and Kevin Byard (Image via Ian Rapoport/ESPN/X)

In Short
  • AJ Brown's future with the Philadelphia Eagles remains uncertain amid trade rumors.
  • Former teammate Kevin Byard publicly expressed his desire for Brown to join the New England Patriots.
  • AJ Brown is unlikely to be traded before the NFL draft, with June 1st seen as a potential timeline for any moves.

With every passing day, the rumors surrounding the future of AJ Brown continue to become a hot topic, no matter how much the Philadelphia Eagles say otherwise.

His visible frustration throughout last season was evident enough that fans and analysts predicted that the star wide receiver was done playing in Philadelphia.

There was skepticism over how that could happen. His massive contract would prove to be a barrier when trying to find a suitable trade partner.

GM Howie Roseman has just come out and clarified that his top wideout is still a part of the team, and was not going to delve into any of the rumors floating around.

But some believe that they are waiting for June 1st, when the Eagles would be able to absorb a $20 million less dead cap. With rumors of him being linked to the Patriots, one former teammate hopes that happens soon.

I played with AJ… He’s a dog, he’s a great teammate… He’s a phenomenal guy, he’s a family man… I’m going to be the first one to say, AJ, I would love to see you join us in New England.

Kevin Byard said on CBS’ Offseason Playbook

The 32-year-old safety was AJ Brown’s teammate during the three years he was with the Tennessee Titans. After his stint there, the two were teammates again on the Philadelphia Eagles.

Even though Kevin Byard was not around when they won Super Bowl LIX, he hopes his former teammate can make it a third-time charm with the Patriots.

AJ Brown unlikely to be traded before NFL draft

No matter how badly Kevin Byard would want his New England Patriots to go out and trade for AJ Brown, they have to convince the Eagles with enough draft capital to complete the exchange.

With this year’s edition just a week away, any team would like to get its hands on additional picks. However, that is unlikely, especially in the Eagles’ case.

Star Eagles WR A.J. Brown is unlikely to be moved on draft night.

James Palmer said on the 89 show, as quoted by BR Gridiron

It so happens that many teams are not too keen on making trades before the draft. That makes it possible that they could engage on the night of the draft, especially as some players become available.

However, with the massive dead cap and the possibility of AJ Brown not having enough suitors ready to dole out the picks the Eagles want, he will likely stay put.

It seems the earliest possible timeline now is what Adam Schefter detailed, June 1st. It seems that even though the Eagles lost quite a few defensive players in free agency, they are not willing to take any deal that comes their way.

AJ Brown to the Patriots seems more likely

The New England Patriots had a ton of cap space entering the offseason, and used it wisely on players they needed. But when they released leading pass catcher Stefon Diggs, many felt it was to create room for AJ Brown’s arrival.

AJ Brown to the Patriots is a possibility
AJ Brown to the Patriots is a possibility (Image via Underdog NFL/X)

A team cannot have two mercurial receivers in the same room, and they preferred to go with the calmer one, even though he has quietly expressed his dissatisfaction over the past season.

On top of that, the Patriots are Brown’s favorite team growing up, and he has often reiterated his desire to one day play in the blue and white.

Now, they have the cap space to absorb his contract. That is why conversations surrounding a potential move to Foxborough are continuously resurfacing on most football-related platforms.

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