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Patriots Favored to Land A.J. Brown as Eagles Hold Out for a First‑Round Pick

Philadelphia plans to wait until after June 1 to reduce its 2026 dead-cap charge and use that financial leverage to extract higher trade value.

Overview

  • There is no completed trade as of May 21 and multiple outlets still identify the New England Patriots as the leading suitor, though talks are not finalized.
  • Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has been firm that he wants at least a first-round pick in any deal for Brown, which is shaping negotiations.
  • The team’s stated timetable is driven by salary-cap mechanics that make a post–June 1 trade far less costly for Philadelphia and give the Eagles more flexibility in structuring a deal.
  • Several other clubs — notably the Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens — have been named as potential late entrants, but many face roster or cap limits that could curb a true bidding war.
  • Insiders warn talks may need a ‘reboot’ and could stretch into July, and Brown’s reported talks about Boston residency are being cited as an indicator of New England interest.