Report: Patriots feel asking price for Brown too high

The New England Patriots have explored trading for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown but believe the asking price is too high, a source told Andrew Callahan of The Boston Herald.

The Eagles could fetch a better return for Brown than the package the Seattle Seahawks received for DK Metcalf last offseason, sources told Callahan. The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired Metcalf and a sixth-round selection for second- and seventh-round picks.

Brown's future with the Eagles has recently lacked clarity. Head coach Nick Sirianni said earlier this week that he couldn't guarantee the talented receiver would be on the team for the 2026 season. However, the following day, general manager Howie Roseman said Brown was a huge part of new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's plans.

New England has emerged as a popular potential destination for Brown if he's traded, largely because of his ties to head coach Mike Vrabel. The Patriots sideline boss drafted and coached Brown with the Tennessee Titans from 2019 to 2021. New England also needs another top receiving target for quarterback Drake Maye.

The Eagles would absorb a $43.8-million dead cap hit if they move Brown before June 1, though the franchise would save more than $100 million over multiple years with a trade, according to Over The Cap.