Patriots A.J. Brown Trade Clarity: Schefter Confirms No Deal Yet, June 1 Cap Mechanics Explained
ESPN's Adam Schefter stated definitively on March 25 that there is no 'under-the-table' handshake agreement between the Patriots and Eagles for All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown, despite persistent rumors. The financial mechanics explain the timeline: trading Brown before June 1 would cost the Eagles $43.5M in dead cap, versus only $16.3M after June 1—making any realistic deal a summer transaction. Patriots GM Eliot Wolf reiterated the team will 'explore anything that can help' but faces no deadline pressure with the draft approaching.