Philadelphia Eagles trade WR A.J. Brown to New England Patriots for 2028 first-round, 2027 fifth-round picks
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 21: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field on September 21, 2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Ima
PHILADELPHIA - After widespread speculation about A.J. Brown's future in Philadelphia, the Eagles have reportedly found a trade partner for the star wide receiver.
What we know:
A.J. Brown is no longer a member of the Eagles and will play for the New England Patriots, according to the team.
The trade package includes a 2028 first-round selection and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
The deal had reportedly been in the works for months and was widely discussed among fans and sports reporters.
Brown will reunite with Mike Vrabel, who was his head coach previously.
Brown released a statement on social media thanking fans, teammates, coaches, and even the cleaning crew in Philadelphia.
Fans react to the end of the AJ Brown era
What they're saying:
Reactions from fans have been mixed, with some expressing relief that the speculation is over.
"Mixed, mostly I'm really glad that we are done with it because there's been a lot of speculation that we all knew it was coming and the same thing all over again and all podcasts and all the reporters were saying the same," said Claire Flaxman.
Others shared their disappointment but acknowledged it was time for a change.
"Of course I'm bummed, he's a great player, he made a lot of good contributions. I think it was clear his time was done, and he was ready to be in a different situation, so thanks for all the great memories A.J. wish you the best…let's go have a fun season. I can't wait to see what Devonte and all the others do this year," said Flaxman.
Some fans compared the trade to other high-profile wide receiver departures.
"Everybody knew, it wasn't quite as dramatic as TO, it was a little bit dramatic. I guess that's what happened with wide receivers," said Flaxman.
A few fans welcomed the move as a positive shift for the team.
"It's a good move, he was a troublemaker for them, so I think there's going to be an uptick for them," said Ramsey Rice.
"They're crazy if they don't want to be here, got the best fans in the world," said Rice. Other fans kept their reactions simple. "I think I'm going to channel my inner Jalen Hurts on this one," said South Street Sam. "Go Birds baby!" said South Street Sam.
"It's time for a new change, we get somebody else in here, I think we should be okay," said Ron Hood.
The backstory:
Acquired from the Tennessee Titans before the 2023 season, Brown signed a 4-year, $100M contract with the Eagles after the trade.
In four seasons with the Eagles, Brown was one of the league's premier wide receivers, collecting 88 receptions for nearly 1500 yards.
Brown, a two-time Pro Bowler with the Eagles, played a key role in the Eagles' path to their second Super Bowl in less than 10 years.
Brown reportedly grew frustrated with his role on the team last season, including how many times he was being targeted for a pass.
What we don't know:
It is not yet clear how the Eagles plan to fill the gap left by Brown or what the team’s next steps will be for the upcoming season.
The Source: Information from the Philadelphia Eagles and A.J. Brown's social media.