Patriots star A.J. Brown’s ‘down’ year only matched by Puka Nacua, per ESPN Analytics

AJ Brown’s final season with the Philadelphia Eagles was considered a down year by many around the NFL. But looking deeper into the stats, Brown had one of the more impressive performances by a wide receiver in 2026.

The newest addition to the New England Patriots ranked top 16 in getting open, catching the ball and running after the catch. Only Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams hit those same heights across the board, via ESPN Analytics.

Overall, Brown caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and and seven touchdowns. While his yardage marked his lowest since 2021, the receiver has had seven touchdown grabs the last three seasons. Furthermore, his reception numbers increased from 2024.

He may not have been a Pro Bowler, but Brown was still deemed a supremely valuable receiver. Which is the why the Patriots gave up a first-round pick to acquire him. If he had been playing in New England during the 2025 season, Brown would’ve ranked second in both receptions and yardage while tying for the team lead in touchdowns.

The only player Brown would’ve been behind in those first two categories is Stefon Diggs, who is no longer on the team. New England was desperate to find a WR1 for rising star quarterback Drake Maye. No matter what the outside noise said, the Patriots believed Brown was the perfect option for that role.

He will still have to prove himself in his new location. The receiver will be under a microscope after his departure from the Eagles. But assuming his play remains where it has been, the Patriots will have no concerns about their blockbuster addition.

The post Patriots star A.J. Brown’s ‘down’ year only matched by Puka Nacua, per ESPN Analytics appeared first on ClutchPoints.