Overview
- ESPN's Adam Schefter, speaking Monday on The Pat McAfee Show, said he expects an Eagles–Patriots deal on or just after June 1 with a future first-round pick, guessing 2028.
- June 1 matters because an after-that-date trade would let Philadelphia split A.J. Brown’s dead money across two seasons, cutting this year’s hit from about $43.5 million to roughly $16 million.
- New England looks like the lead suitor as it skipped drafting a wide receiver and has built around quarterback Drake Maye with Romeo Doubs and depth signings.
- Reports float variations on price, from a 2028 first alone to add-ons like a mid-round pick or wideout Kayshon Boutte, though no terms are agreed.
- Philadelphia’s moves — drafting USC’s Makai Lemon and adding Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, and Dontayvion Wicks — suggest it can replace Brown, while a trade would give Maye a true No. 1 target with five straight 1,000-yard seasons.