The A.J. Brown sweepstakes just got even more interesting.
On Tuesday, the Miami Dolphins traded wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and a fourth-round draft pick (111th overall) in exchange for a first-round pick (30th) as well as third- and fourth-round picks (94th and 130th). The deal provides a template for how the Philadelphia Eagles could approach a potential deal involving their star wideout.
That’s a major development for the New England Patriots, who have been linked to Brown in trade rumors all offseason. Did the price to acquire Waddle make a Brown trade even more costly?
NBC Sports Boston’s Patriots insider Tom E. Curran believes the Waddle trade justifies Philly’s reported ask of first- and second-round picks.
“To me, it sounds as if the Eagles had the right asking price in the first place,” Curran said on Tuesday’s Early Edition. “They want a first and a second. What Jaylen Waddle just returned basically was a first and a third. Brown’s better than Waddle. A first and a second is a reasonable ask.”
The Eagles have all the leverage in trade discussions, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
“I think if you’re Howie Roseman and you look at this and you’ve been asking for this, and other people in the league have been telling you that because of his age and his injury history, he’s not worth that anymore. And then this comes across? It only emboldens you to stand your ground,” Breer added.
“They’re in no rush to do anything. There’s the June 1 thing, of course, that everybody’s been talking about. I think Howie Roseman’s now bargaining from a position of strength. He doesn’t have to do anything.”
If the Eagles trade Brown before June 1, they would take on a dead cap hit of more than $40 million in 2026. If they move him after June 1, the dead money incurred would drop below $20 million for 2026.
Philadelphia undoubtedly has the leverage in any A.J. Brown trade discussions. Brown has not (formally, at least) requested a trade, so the Eagles have no real reason to part ways with the star receiver unless they get an offer they can’t refuse. The Patriots, on the other hand, have a glaring need for a true No. 1 WR.
As for whether Waddle’s cost increases Brown’s trade value, that’s up for debate. Waddle will be 27 years old when next season starts, whereas Brown will be 29. Brown also comes with injury concerns, particularly a hamstring injury that forced him to miss time last year, as well as recurring knee issues. Waddle’s numbers were on par with Brown’s last season despite lackluster quarterback play in Miami, though Brown has been the superior wideout throughout his career.
There are question marks, but Brown at his best would give the Patriots an elite option in the passing game, something the offense has desperately needed in recent years. He won’t come cheap, but there aren’t any better options for New England if it hopes to give Drake Maye a true No. 1 receiver to work with.
