As expected, star receiver A.J. Brown was traded to the Patriots on Monday, joining quarterback Drake Maye, as New England looks to form a top 5 quarterback-receiver duo this season. The blockbuster move reunites the former Eagle with coach Mike Vrabel from their Titans days. With Stefon Diggs gone, Brown brings a proven playmaker and much-needed firepower to the Patriots’ passing attack.
Vrabel drafted Brown from Ole Miss in 2019, quickly leveraging his size and hands to make him a top young talent. After his 2022 trade to the Eagles, Brown elevated his game, confirming his status as a premier receiver. In four years with Philadelphia, he made 339 catches for over 5,000 yards and 32 touchdowns (most in his first two years), winning a Super Bowl.
Despite his strong tenure with the Eagles, Brown had become increasingly frustrated by a lack of targets and offensive efficiency, creating a media frenzy with sideline antics such as his infamous book reading. Last season, his production dipped, leading some to believe that Brown is on a downward trajectory in his career.
A closer look at Philadelphia’s offense suggests Brown’s statistical decline had more to do with play calling and poor quarterback play rather than any decline in his own ability.
AJ Brown Gives Drake Maye the Best Receiver Of His Career
While Brown struggled last season, his old coach and his favorite team growing up took the league by storm. Led by Maye, the Patriots found themselves competing for a championship under their first-year head coach. A huge piece to the success was the free agent signing of Diggs.
The veteran wideout produced both on the field as Maye’s security blanket and as a leader on the sidelines. Between the lines, Diggs made his impact most felt running underneath routes, coming in clutch to keep the chains moving.
The downside in New England, was a lack of skilled players outside the numbers. Diggs is not that stereotypical outside-the-numbers threat. His speed also appeared to take a hit following his knee injury in Houston the year before, not allowing for huge breakaway plays that had been a huge part of his game.
Immediately following the release of Diggs, the Patriots added breakout star Romeo Doubs to fill the void. The former Packer posted his best statistical season last year, displaying elite route running and the ability to compete for contested catches, finishing with over 600 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Although Diggs had a slightly better year statistically, Doubs is younger and has comparable skills and style. With Brown demanding defensive attention as the primary target, Doubs should be positioned to emerge as one of the league’s better number two receivers.
While many fans and analysts have concerns about Brown, the elite playmaker appears set to bounce back and prove the critics wrong. Maye led the NFL last year in accuracy with a 72.0% completion percentage, including 52% on deep balls over 20 yards. Brown offers the Patriots’ quarterback his first real outside threat in his career. Maye has already shown he is not hesitant to take shots down the field and now has the perfect weapon to maximize those attempts.
Patriots’ Upgraded O-Line
The Patriots spent the draft adding depth to the offensive line that collapsed in the Super Bowl. With the protection reinforced through the draft, Maye will have more time in the pocket to find his targets. Expect Brown to be targeted early and often. Addressing media yesterday, he stated, “I’m still in awe. Walking up the hill with the uniform, I was like, ‘Man, this is real.’ I caught myself at one point in practice, I wasn’t paying attention because I was like, ‘dang.’ Just trying to take it all in as much as I can.”
Brown is excited to be a Patriot and is motivated to prove to the world that he belongs in the conversation as a top wideout in the NFL. Paired with a deadly accurate passer, Brown and Maye will take the New England offense to the next level, landing them as a top five quarterback-receiver combo by the time the season ends.
