How Much Draft Capital Should Patriots Pay To Acquire Eagles' A.J. Brown

The New England Patriots may be considering adding a top wide receiver this offseason, and a major speculation involves trading for A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles.

Brown stands out as the most logical choice, especially considering his visible frustration with the Eagles throughout the past season. He also has a connection with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel from their time together with the Tennessee Titans.

If the Eagles are truly considering trading Brown, what would the Patriots need to offer to secure him?

Patriots writer Greg Bedard welcomed Eagles reporter Jeff McLane from the Philadelphia Inquirer to discuss the trade value of Brown.

McLane attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this past week, where he spoke with a high-ranking member of a team that is frustrated with the Eagles for asking such a high price for Brown.

“I spoke to someone last night,” McLane said on Saturday, via Patriots on CLNS. “Let’s call it a high-ranking member of a team that I think would be interested. He expressed frustration, exasperation, or whatever you wanna call it with what the Eagles were asking for, which again I believe to be like a one and a two.”

Making a trade that involves giving up a first and second-round pick for Brown would be quite a steep price, especially considering he’s turning 29 this year. Last season, he recorded only 1,003 receiving yards and seven touchdowns over 15 games.

McLane also mentioned that he asked the high-ranking member what he sees Brown’s trade value as, and the high-ranking member said a third-round pick.

“About a month ago, I was hearing a third with a condition to be a two just from other executives around the league that won’t be involved in this,” McLane added.

If the Eagles don’t retain a first-round pick, it’s unlikely that a trade will happen. If you’re the Patriots, who were just in the Super Bowl three weeks ago and desperately need a true No. 1 wide receiver, would giving up the No. 31 pick be worth it?

The Patriots shouldn’t sacrifice a first and second-round pick, and even parting with a first-round pick feels like a steep cost. However, trading the No. 31 pick for a proven player who can step in and make an impact from Day 1 isn’t the worst decision.

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