Eagles, Patriots ‘not close’ on A.J. Brown trade

With the calendar about to flip to June, a moment NFL fans have been waiting for for weeks is about to arrive.

The long-anticipated A.J. Brown trade.

However, according to the latest reporting from Ian Rapoport, we might have to wait a little longer.

Rumors of a trade involving the Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver have simmered since the season ended, but as many have pointed out, the financial implications of trading Brown prior to June 1 made a potential deal nearly impossible for the Eagles. However, once the calendar reaches June 1, the cap hit the Eagles have to endure is cut in half, making a move easier to absorb for Philadelphia.

As far as a potential landing spot, the New England Patriots have long been considered the frontrunners for his services, due in part to Brown’s relationship with head coach Mike Vrabel.

But if you thought that deal would be announced right on June 1, you might have to wait a little while longer. Speaking on the NFL Network on Thursday morning, Rapoport noted that the two sides are “not close” on terms, with the Eagles holding out for a first-round pick as part of a deal for Brown:

“There’s a chance this could drag on for the foreseeable future,” concluded Rapoport.

The two sides are in interesting positions, from a negotiating standpoint. The Eagles added wide receiver Makai Lemon in the 2026 NFL Draft, and while the relationship between Brown and quarterback Jalen Hurts is a factor, so too is the fact that even a post-June 1 trade would require Philadelphia to absorb a cap hit:

As for New England, the Patriots added Romeo Doubs via free agency, and could look to Stefon Diggs as a backup plan, as their leading receiver from a season ago remains a free agent after being released by the team in March.

But if you were waiting on this trade to be finalized, you might have to be patient a little longer.