ESPN's Adam Schefter broke news surrounding the Eagles and A.J. Brown trade saga on Monday, April 20. The Eagles continue to listen to trade offers for the star WR, and the Patriots remain a top suitor for the WR.
In fact, Schefter reported that an A.J. Brown trade to New England is “now considered likely.” However, these trade talks could wait until June 1, meaning after the 2026 NFL Draft that begins on Thursday, April 23.
This potential move could alter the Eagles and Patriots’ strategy for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
Below, we’ll look at the latest A.J. Brown trade news and how it may impact 2026 NFL Draft predictions for the Patriots and Eagles on PrizePicks.
Make your picks for A.J. Brown’s next team on PrizePicks now.
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A.J. Brown Trade Rumors: Will Eagles Trade Star WR to Patriots?
In Schefter’s 2026 NFL Draft intel piece released on Monday, April 20, he went on to report A.J. Brown to the Patriots is “still tracking to happen on or after June 1.”
The June 1 benchmark centers around Brown’s $40 million salary cap charge being split between the teams starting on this date. In short, this move is not expected to happen ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, but it’s still viewed as a likely move for the offseason.
With that said, New England could finally find their WR1 to pair with franchise QB Drake Maye.
Choose Yes or No on a team to be Brown’s next team on PrizePicks Team Picks and earn money if you're right. Which teams are the favorites to win the A.J. Brown trade sweepstakes?
The top teams on the list below have the highest implied probability of being Brown's next team, found live under Team Picks > NFL > Player Futures on the PrizePicks app.
A.J. Brown Next Team Favorites, Payouts via PrizePicks
The Patriots and Eagles have separated from the pack, as all other teams feature a 33.33x payout to be Brown's next team.
- New England Patriots: Yes 1.2x | No 4.16x
- Stays with Philadelphia or Retires: Yes 4x | 1.19x No
Team Picks data is live as of writing and is subject to change.
Eagles 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Trade Rumors Impact Targets
As mentioned, news around this potential trade could alter 2026 NFL Draft strategies for both franchises. Beginning with the Eagles, Schefter reported Philadelphia could look to make a trade on draft weekend.
He went on to circle Vikings edge Jonathan Greenard, with Minnesota likely pursuing a day two draft pick in the second or third round.
Once again, landing Greenard alongside likely trading Brown in the summer could alter Philly’s plans for the 23rd overall selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
PrizePicks Team Picks features payouts for the first position drafted by Philadelphia in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Offensive Lineman: Yes 2x | No 1.75x
- Wide Receiver: Yes 2.04x | No 1.2x
- Defensive Lineman/Edge: Yes 3.12x | No 1.02x
- Cornerback/Safety: Yes 3.33x | No N/A
In our 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq landed with the Eagles. Sadiq would add a dynamic, athletic target to this offense, alleviating a potential Brown trade.
A defensive lineman may be unlikely if the Eagles land Greenard via trade, but an offensive lineman or wide receiver would make sense.
Our 2026 NFL Draft Big Board suggests Clemson OT Blake Miller (22nd), Utah OT Caleb Lomu (24th), Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. (21st), and Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion (28th) as potential targets for the first round.
KC Concepcion would be an intriguing add, as he brings a “gadget” skill set with elite quickness and versatility.
Following the A.J. Brown trade news, will Philadelphia look to grab a receiver in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft?
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Patriots 2026 NFL Mock Draft: A.J. Brown News Causes Shift
For the Patriots, they may look to avoid a wide receiver with the 31st overall selection in the first round on Thursday, April 23.
Here are the payouts for the first position drafted by New England in the 2026 NFL Draft, via PrizePicks Team Picks.
- Defensive Lineman/Edge: Yes 1.61x | No N/A
- Linebacker: Yes 2.08x | No N/A
- Cornerback/Safety: Yes 2.08x | No N/A
- Offensive Lineman: Yes 2.32x | No N/A
- Wide Receiver: Yes 3.33x | No N/A
The Pats’ potential target for the first round seems wide open, likely due to holding the second-to-last pick of day one (No. 31 overall). As expected, New England’s implied probability of selecting a wide receiver has fallen with a potential A.J. Brown deal on the horizon.
With that said, defense seems to be the consensus for the Patriots’ first pick. Our mock draft has New England selecting Clemson edge T.J. Parker, who sits 23rd on our big board.
Auburn edge Keldric Faulk (31st), Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald (29th), and Georgia LB C.J. Allen (33rd) are a few more options on our big board to beef up the Pats’ front seven.
Make Patriots NFL Draft predictions for real money on PrizePicks.
Make 2026 NFL Draft Predictions on PrizePicks
Following the A.J. Brown Trade news, New England could move off a wideout and take defense, while Philadelphia pursues a receiver in the first round on Thursday, April 23.
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