FOXBOROUGH — NFL insiders report that a trade sending wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles to the New England Patriots is expected to be finalized on June 1, 2026. The timing aligns with the Eagles’ ability to reduce their salary cap penalty by completing the deal after that date. If traded before June 1, 2026, the Eagles would absorb a $43.3 million dead cap hit; after that date, the figure drops to $16.3 million.

Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer said, "My understanding is there is a framework in place for a trade to be made early next week that will make A.J. Brown a Patriot." He added, "The exact terms, I think, there are some things to be worked out there, but it would sort of take someone backing out at this point, whether it's the Eagles or the Patriots, for it not to happen."

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said, "As far as the actual trade, though, we’re all waiting for June 1st to happen so the cap hit is in half for the Philadelphia Eagles, and they can trade him." Rapoport also outlined the remaining negotiation hurdles: "I just don’t know it’s snap your fingers and the deal is done, because the two sides are where they had been, which is the Eagles wanting a first-round pick in 2027." He said, "The Patriots, the most likely destination — we’ll see if someone else arises — but the Patriots, the most likely destination, [are] not willing to give up a first-round pick as of right now." Rapoport added, "Would I be surprised if it didn’t happen? I think I would be surprised if it didn’t happen. But, I don’t think either side is there yet and I don’t think either side has spoken about it in some time with each other." He also stated, "To me, this is not the Patriots and Eagles have a secret deal that they’re going to unveil on June 1st. It’s not like that, and I don’t even know that one is going to get done June 1st because basically, it is to my understanding, the Eagles want a 2027 first-round pick."

ESPN reporter Adam Schefter expects the deal to be completed as scheduled. "I expect that this trade will come together on June 1st. Neither side is committed to it, but both, I believe, are expected to make it happen to where AJ Brown will wind up being traded to New England in June. It’s not going to be hard to get done," Schefter said. He added, "The Eagles are open to moving him, the Patriots want him, and I believe in the end it will involve a future first-round draft pick. My guess is 2028 — one in 2028. But, let’s see what the two sides finally figure out in the end."

Brown, who recorded 1,003 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 78 catches in the 2026 season, has six career seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards.