Adam Schefter Reports Patriots 'Likely' To Land A.J. Brown In Major Trade Update

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Adam Schefter Reports Patriots 'Likely' To Land A.J. Brown In Major Trade Update originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It's seemingly just a matter of time before A.J. Brown becomes a member of the New England Patriots.

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Numerous offseason rumors have connected the star receiver to the Patriots, with many top insiders indicating a trade likely will happen after June 1, when the financial burden would lessen for the Philadelphia Eagles. And, in a major update published Monday morning, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter all but confirmed Brown will land in New England in the near future.

"No matter what happens at this week's draft, an A.J. Brown trade to the Patriots is still on the table and still tracking to happen on or after June 1, per league sources," Schefter wrote. "The two sides have discussed a deal, but neither has been willing to commit to it until after June 1, when Brown's $40 million salary cap charge would be split between this and next year.

"All the elements remain in place to make it happen, and Brown to the Patriots is still the likely outcome ... just not during this week's draft, per sources. Put the trade on hold just for now, but things will soon quickly warm back up. The Eagles remain open to trading Brown, the Patriots remain highly interested in acquiring the star receiver, and conversations are expected to resume shortly on or before June 1, probably culminating in a deal, per league sources."

Schefter added: "The Patriots remain at the forefront of trade talks for Brown. Another team could always emerge, and there's a lot of time between now and June 1. But as of now, multiple sources say they believe Brown and the Patriots are likely to become a tandem."

Things obviously can change between now and June, as another team could trump the Patriots' offer. But, at this point, all signs point toward Drake Maye gaining a new top receiver in time for training camp.

At 28 years old (29 on June 30), Brown no longer is the elite receiver he once was. But the 30-time Pro Bowler still is a true No. 1 receiver, as evidenced by his 78 catches for 1,003 yards and seven TDs last season.

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