Everybody knew A.J. Brown was a good acquisition for the New England Patriots this past offseason, but so far (yes, I know it's only been training camp and joint practices to this point), he has looked just as good, if not better, than advertised.
Trading for Brown was a big risk for New England (he has worsening knee concerns, he is 29 years old, he's reportedly "a diva," and the Patriots gave up a first-round pick to get him), but it was one it needed to take. The Patriots needed a true No. 1 receiver for Drake Maye, especially after they moved on from Stefon Diggs, and Brown is exactly what they needed. He is one of the best deep threats in the NFL and already has rapport with Mike Vrabel because of their time together with the Tennessee Titans.
Only time will tell how the Mississippi native does with the Patriots, but early on, he is giving fans every reason to believe in him.
A.J. Brown is already making an impact with the Patriots
The Maye-Brown connection has looked incredible so far. During Thursday's joint practice against his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, Brown caught four touchdowns (technically three, but one was called back that shouldn't have been), all with star cornerback Quinyon Mitchell in coverage.
Obviously, it's not like the Ole Miss alum is catching touchdowns in the Super Bowl, but this isn't nothing. Brown is still one of the best wide receivers in the league, and he's already showing what he can bring to the table in New England. And if he's regularly getting to the end zone with ease against one of the league's best defensive backs, then the sky is the limit for what his production could look like with the Patriots.
And none of that is even factoring in that Brown has already gotten a promising co-sign from his new star quarterback.
Having the 29-year-old on the field should make Maye's life so much easier, but that's also true for the rest of the offense. Brown has so much gravity and will demand so much attention from opposing defenses that players like Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte (assuming he sticks around), Hunter Henry, and even the running game should have opportunities to feast in the open field.
The Patriots' offense was already really good, but it might become one of the best units in the NFL next season, and Brown is already proving that he should be a big part of that. He's the best receiver the team has had in a long time, and he will greatly move the needle for them as they look to make another Super Bowl run.
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