The Philadelphia Eagles are ready for the A.J. Brown trade to the New England Patriots, and many are wondering what the team will get in return.
Rumor has it that the Patriots are not the biggest fans of trading away a first-round pick, but the Eagles could land a 2028 first-round pick from New England. The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane reported that the 2028 first-round pick is expected to be part of the deal, which might be a concern for him.
"If the return for A.J. Brown is straight up a 2028 first round draft pick — and from what I understand, that is the case — then it would come two draft cycles after the parameters of a deal between the Eagles and Patriots were likely set. That’s quite a drop in compensation if the initial asking price, as I had heard it, was a first and a second rounder. Some of that seemed posturing.
It’s not apples to apples, but if you look at the most recent trade for a top receiver — the Broncos gave up 2026 1st, 3rd and 4th round picks for Jaylen Waddle and a Dolphins 4th — the Eagles’ return isn’t close to comparable. Waddle is 19 months younger, but he’s a tier below Brown. Perhaps Denver overpaid, but that market should have conceivably helped the Eagles."
Are the Eagles going to get fair trade compensation for A.J. Brown?
Philly would love to get multiple high draft picks for Brown, but there are concerns about his play despite his status as a three-time Pro Bowler and three-time second-team All-Pro. Brown's regression in 2025 is a concern as he had 1,003 yards, which is the lowest of his tenure as an Eagle.
Getting at least one first-round pick has to be the Eagles' priority to ensure they are set up for the future. Anything less than that is considered a disaster on the Eagles' part.
The only way it would be acceptable to take a second-round pick instead would be if a high-value starter is included as part of the deal. Philly wouldn't mind adding another great wide receiver or a starting safety as part of a deal to bolster the roster's depth and talent.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman could be facing the reality that the franchise might not be able to get the compensation the Dolphins received for Waddle. That is a disappointment for Eagles fans, but getting at least one first-round pick is the most important thing.
Read more: Adam Schefter quickly shot down Eagles-A.J. Brown trade narrative
There is still time that things can change on a dime, so Eagles fans will have to wait and see what else happens.
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