The New England Patriots have left the door open to add A.J. Brown via trade. According to Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, the team will “explore anything we think can help the team.”
Potential Reunion with Vrabel
A reunion between A.J. Brown and Mike Vrabel seems possible. It might not happen until after June 1. This move would elevate the Patriots’ offseason into the “excellent” category.
Receiver Roster Changes
The Patriots have been making moves at the receiver position. They released Stefon Diggs and signed Romeo Doubs from the Packers. Doubs’s four-year deal is worth a base of $68 million. However, it functions as a two-year, $35 million deal with $31 million fully guaranteed. The final two years and $33 million essentially serve as one-year team options.
Doubs is 6½ years younger and cheaper than Diggs. Diggs was set to make $22.5 million cash in 2026, with a salary-cap number of $26.5 million. Doubs will make $18 million-$20 million this fall, and his cap number is just $8.9 million.
Stefon Diggs had 85 catches for 1,014 yards last year. Romeo Doubs has never had more than 59 catches or 724 yards.
The Patriots discussed a variety of options with Diggs about returning on a reduced salary. They ultimately went in a different direction. Wolf said the Patriots wouldn’t close the door on Diggs’s return. However, he seems like only a backup plan if they strike out on Brown.
Impact of Brown Trade on Current Receivers
If the Patriots trade for A.J. Brown, it could mean the departure of a current receiver. DeMario Douglas or Efton Chism are the most likely candidates. Chism is under contract at a minimum salary for two more years. Douglas’s salary jumps to $3.6 million in 2026 with none guaranteed. Douglas could be the odd man out.
Focus on Run Game Improvement
There was a clear directive to improve the run game and trenches. The Patriots spent $53.1 million fully guaranteed over two years for guard Alijah Vera-Tucker ($16.5 million), fullback Reggie Gilliam ($6 million), blocking tight end Julian Hill ($7.5 million), and defensive end Dre’Mont Jones ($23.1 million). They replace Garrett Bradbury, Jack Westover, Austin Hooper, and K’Lavon Chaisson.
The Patriots’ run game struggled last season, ranking 23rd in success rate. For the first three months of the season, Rhamondre Stevenson averaged 3.2 yards per carry.
Adding the fullback, guard, and a tight end who’s primarily been a blocker in his career was intentional.
- Potential A.J. Brown trade being explored
- Romeo Doubs signed after Stefon Diggs departure
- Focus on improving the run game and trenches
The Patriots have been active this offseason. They are exploring all options to improve the team.