Eagles Trade A.J. Brown to Patriots for 2028 First-Round Pick

Philadelphia, PA — The Philadelphia Eagles have traded wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, sending the star pass-catcher to New England in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2028 NFL Draft and a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. The deal was finalized on June 1, 2026.

"This trade is beneficial for both teams." — Eagles GM Howie Roseman

Trade Rationale

Addressing the media on June 1, 2025, Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman confirmed that Brown had requested a trade. Conversations with the receiver indicated he preferred to play elsewhere for family reasons.

The Eagles secured salary cap relief along with the future first-round pick. Roseman emphasized that the organization does not significantly devalue future picks and called the acquisition of a 2028 first-rounder "significant."

The Eagles had initially preferred a 2027 first-round pick — widely projected to be a strong draft class — but the Patriots did not offer it. The 2028 draft class may also be strong, as NIL-related decisions have led many college players to delay declaring for the NFL draft.

Roseman noted that the organization is not overly concerned with dead money on the salary cap, as it is factored into contract structures.

Player Performance and Context

Brown spent four seasons with the Eagles after being acquired from the Tennessee Titans in 2022. His tenure in Philadelphia was remarkably productive:

However, his production declined in his final two seasons (2024-2025) compared to his first two (2022-2023). According to NFL NextGen Stats, Brown showed lower yards per reception, yards per target, yards after catch per reception, and average separation. Notably, fellow Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith did not show similar declines in those metrics.

Brown will play his age-29 season in 2026.

"Great players are difficult to find in the NFL. A.J. Brown is a player who loves football." — Howie Roseman, 2023 season review press conference

Team Impact and Replacement

Roseman stated emphatically that the trade was not related to quarterback Jalen Hurts' leadership. The team expects to replace Brown's production collectively.

The Eagles will look to receivers DeVonta Smith, a rookie first-round pick, and other players competing for roles to fill the void.

Market Comparison

The trade was measured against recent wide receiver deals across the league:

Analysis: The Eagles received a first-round pick for a 29-year-old receiver whose metrics were declining — a strong return compared to similar trades.

Potential Draft Pick Position

The Patriots finished the 2025 regular season with a 14-3 record, playing a schedule that included the NFC South, AFC North, and last-place teams (Giants, Raiders, Titans).

Their 2026 schedule is expected to include opponents from the NFC North, AFC West, and first-place teams. The Patriots' performance in 2027 will determine the position of the 2028 first-round pick that the Eagles now own.

Historical Context

The Eagles originally acquired Brown in 2022 for first- and third-round picks. Over four seasons with Brown, the team made the playoffs every year, reached two Super Bowls, and won one Super Bowl.