The New England Patriots might be getting ready to make big changes to their offense before the 2026 NFL season. Several rumors say that the team is looking at trading for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown so that he may play with Stefon Diggs and inexperienced quarterback Drake Maye.After falling short in the Super Bowl, New England is expected to be aggressive in reshaping its roster, particularly at wide receiver. While Diggs led the team in production last season, the Patriots’ passing attack lacked consistent firepower, prompting the front office to evaluate elite options on the trade market.
What reports say about Stefon Diggs vs. A.J. Brown pairing
According to insiders, the Patriots have internal interest in trading for Brown, who remains one of the NFL’s top wideouts. The move would likely depend on contract adjustments, particularly Diggs potentially restructuring his deal to create salary-cap flexibility.Diggs is scheduled to carry a significant cap hit for the 2026 season, but he was still New England’s most productive receiver in 2025 with over 1,000 receiving yards. Rather than moving on from him, the team reportedly sees a scenario where both receivers can coexist.The Patriots’ leadership has also pointed to existing relationships as a factor. Head coach Mike Vrabel previously worked with Brown during their time with the Tennessee Titans, and that connection could play a role if trade talks advance.
What it means for Drake Maye and the Patriots’ offense
For Drake Maye, the addition of another elite receiver could accelerate his growth as the team’s franchise quarterback. Young passers often benefit from experienced playmakers, and a Diggs-Brown tandem would give New England one of the most balanced receiving groups in the league.Last season, the Patriots had trouble being consistent on offense, especially in important games. A better group of receivers might help open up the field, make the red zone more effective, and take some of the load off Maye to run the offense by himself.However, several hurdles remain. Philadelphia has not signaled strong willingness to move Brown, and any deal would require significant draft capital along with financial adjustments. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman recently emphasized Brown’s importance to the team, suggesting a trade is possible but unlikely without a compelling offer.Still, the idea of Diggs and Brown lining up together continues to generate buzz around the league. If New England can pull off the trade, it may be one of the most important personnel changes of the offseason and change how people think about the Patriots going into 2026.
