ESPN's Adam Schefter continues to assert that A.J. Brown's departure from Philadelphia is inevitable, with the New England Patriots the expected destination.
'I Still Think It's Going to Happen'
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Schefter was unequivocal about the trade's status.
"I think he knows where his future is headed at this moment. It will be a matter of the Patriots and the Eagles getting together to basically process the trade, finalize the trade, make sure it happens."
Schefter added: "There is nothing that has transpired here, despite all the events in New England, that has deterred this trade from coming on. I still think it is on track. I still think it's going to happen."
Why Wait Until June 1?
The Eagles have significant financial incentive to delay any trade until after June 1. Before that date, trading Brown would result in a $43.4 million dead-cap charge. After June 1, that number drops to $16.4 million-a savings of $27 million against the cap.
Expected Compensation
Schefter believes the Patriots will send a future first-round pick to Philadelphia: "I still think he's getting traded to New England for a 2028 first-round draft pick."
Reports indicate the Patriots previously offered a first-round and third-round pick, which the Eagles rejected. The current expectation is a 2028 first-rounder, giving New England more time to evaluate the pick's position.
The Vrabel Connection
A key factor in this trade is Brown's relationship with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who drafted Brown in Tennessee. A reunion checks multiple boxes for both the player and the organization.
Notably, the Patriots did not select a single wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft, suggesting confidence that Brown will be joining their receiver room.
