The New England Patriots are looking for an upgrade to their receiver group entering the 2026 season, and their dream scenario is a trade for A.J. Brown. The star receiver has seemingly worn out his welcome with the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Patriots are among multiple teams looking to make a trade and make him Drake Maye’s top target as they look to defend their AFC title.
While Brown and Maye would be a dynamic partnership for a Patriots offense that sputtered deep into their Super Bowl run, New England’s hopes may have been dashed by their own AFC East rival, the Miami Dolphins.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Dolphins traded receiver Jaylen Waddle and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos on Tuesday in exchange for Denver’s 2026 first-round (30th overall), third-round, and fourth-round picks. While the deal weakens a divisional opponent, it may have also dashed the dreams of Patriots fans hoping for a blockbuster that would bring Brown to New England.
Jaylen Waddle Just Drove Up the Price of Patriots’ Potential A.J. Brown Trade
Waddle is a solid receiver and one that should be able to create space for Courtland Sutton in the Broncos’ offense. While he had just 64 catches for 910 yards and six touchdowns, Waddle had a strong start to his career, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark in each of his first three seasons, including a 1,356-yard campaign during the 2022 season.
The problem for the Patriots is that Waddle’s resume is nowhere near as accomplished as Brown’s. Brown is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and has earned three Second-Team All-Pro selections from 2022 to 2024. While last year was defined by his crash outs toward former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, he’s remained functional despite his unhappiness, reaching the 1,000-yard mark in six of his seven seasons.
Because of the gap, the Eagles and Patriots seem to be far apart on the price of a potential Brown trade. According to WIP’s Anthony Gargano, the Patriots had an offer of a first- and third-round pick that was turned down by Philadelphia. NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported that the Eagles were seeking a first-round pick “with a second-round sweetener,” but Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi also reported that the price tag could drop as the Eagles get closer to next month’s draft.
While that may have been a possibility, Tuesday’s trade took a sledgehammer to that thinking. Watching Waddle, who is an inferior receiver to Brown, go for a first-round pick solidified that will be part of the asking price if a deal is made. According to the Rich Hill draft value chart, the value of the third- and fourth-round deals that also came back in the deal (60 points) is the equivalent of a mid-third round pick, which basically means the Patriots may have to give up their second-round selection (63rd overall) to get a deal done.
This also applies to potential pivots the Patriots may seek in the future. Jordan Addison of the Minnesota Vikings has had some rumors around him following an arrest last January, but he may now require at least a first-round pick to get him to New England. Other options, including Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints and Drake London of the Atlanta Falcons, could also see their price spike in the wake of Tuesday’s trade, which puts the Patriots in a bind.
While New England was able to sign Romeo Doubs in free agency, his past performance with the Green Bay Packers suggests he’s not a No. 1 receiver. The Patriots could hope that an impact receiver falls to them with the 31st overall pick in April’s draft, but it’s unlikely to happen with Texas A&M’s K.C. Concepcion and Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. as the most likely targets according to NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board.
With the steep price and the potential for a deal to backfire, it creates a situation where the Patriots may have foiled their own attempts at landing Brown and may now have to seek an alternative plan to upgrade at wide receiver.