The worst kept secret has finally happened. AJ Brown got his wish and was traded the New England Patriots. Howie accommodated him for time served and received a 2027 5th round pick and a 2028 1st round pick.
Think about that? Why do you believe the Patriots didn’t trade a 2027 1st round pick? I will tell you why. They believe the team will take a step back this season and do not want to give the Eagles a high draft pick in round 1. Here is food for this thought…
Patriots in 2025 had the easiest schedule in the league. Their 2026 schedule is brutal and drawing the AFC north doesn’t help them this year.
Playoff film exposure – During the post-season last year Maye struggled significantly with elite defenses. Collapse the pocket and he panics. Defensive Coordinators will use that to their advantage with disguised zone blitzes and other blitz packages.
That is just the obvious. How about AJ with the hamstring issues. Philly has seen that over the past 2 years. Then there is the talent around him. I just see a lot more frustration in AJ’s future, and who knows if more will come out concerning Vrabel.
Now, lets talk about why the Eagles are a better team today. Forget the defensive side right now. We know on that side of the ball they will be better because they gave Vic additional talent that he will scheme into an elite defense. Offensively the Eagles now have a more balanced offense. A collection of better WR, better TE including a true blocking TE in Mundt, and a better wide zone blocking scheme to break open two very talented RB’s.
The Offensive coordinator no longer needs to make sure AJ gets his touches. This is simply a case where the overall scheme is better than the single player. Those of you who are worried about Smitty not being able to handle the load, let’s compare…
Over the past four years that both AJ and Devonta have been on the team.
AJ Brown –
Receptions – 358 / Yards 5,601 / TD’s 38 / catch rate 66%
DeVonta Smith
Receptions – 365 / Yards 4,812 / TD’s 31 / catch rate 70%
I have no worries of 6 being a true WR1 and no one should.
In addition
2025 WR – AJ Brown/ DeVonta Smith / Johan Dotson
2026 (probable WR) – DeVonta Smith / Makai Lemon / Dontayvion Wicks / Hollywood Brown / Elijah Moore
Just a deeper more skilled WR room over-all. Then add Eli Stowers and a full use of Tank Bigsby, offensively the Philadelphia Eagles are just better.
Look time will tell, but just the difference in OC makes them better. I’m sad it didn’t work out with AJ, but that last playoff game and his attitude of late just was a huge dissapointment.
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