Morning Sports Update

A.J. Brown reportedly ‘likely to become a Patriot’ in future trade

"As of now, multiple sources say they believe Brown and the Patriots are likely to become a tandem."

A.J. Brown Patriots trade
A.J. Brown playing for the Eagles in 2025. He is now reportedly a Patriots trade target. AP Photo/Chris Szagola

By Hayden Bird

3 minutes to read

As the A.J. Brown Patriots trade rumors turn: The dominant subplot of the offseason for the Patriots‘ front office has been the status of Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. The prolific wideout has been rumored to be a Patriots trade target.

On Monday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter added new energy to the trade rumors. In a report he shared, Schefter noted that, “A.J. Brown is likely to become a Patriot post June 1.”

Per his sources, New England is still in on acquiring the 28-year-old.

“The Eagles remain open to trading AJ Brown, the Patriots remain highly interested in acquiring the star receiver, and conversations are expected to resume shortly on or before June 1, likely culminating in a deal, per league sources,” said Schefter.

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The holdup is contractual, with June 1 being the date when Brown’s salary cap charge (set to be $40 million) will be officially spread out over 2026 and 2027.

Philadelphia’s main aim for the deal, as the ESPN insider pointed out, is less about short-term draft capital. Instead, the Eagles are seeking picks in the 2027 and 2028 drafts.

“The Patriots remain at the forefront of trade talks for Brown,” wrote Schefter. “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.”

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Trivia: Who is the last U.S. runner to win the Boston Marathon?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: She did so in 2018.

Scores and schedules:

The 130th Boston Marathon begins a little after 9 a.m. on Monday, with a total exceeding 30,000 expected to complete the 26.2-mile trek.

The Celtics routed the 76ers 123-91 in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series. On Tuesday, the two teams play again at TD Garden at 7 p.m.

The Bruins were defeated 3-2 by the Sabres in Game 1 of their own first-round playoff series. Game 2 is set to get underway on Tuesday in Buffalo at 7:30 p.m.

The Red Sox lost to the Tigers 6-2 on Sunday. Boston begins a three-game series against the Yankees starting on Tuesday at Fenway Park at 6:45 p.m.

More from Boston.com:

“No lemonade”: The Celtics appear to be in playoff form, including the banter between Jaylen Brown and Deuce Tatum.

On this day: In 2013, David Ortiz stepped up to the mic at Fenway Park days after the unspeakable tragedy of the Boston Marathon bombing, and delivered (by recent vote of Boston.com readers) the greatest soundbite in local sports history.

“This is our f****** city,” Ortiz emphatically declared to an uncertain Fenway Faithful. The message was received loud and clear (literally, with thunderous applause).

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“Stay strong,” Ortiz concluded. He held up his end of the bargain with the Red Sox, powering another World Series run that was particularly emotional in the wake of the tragedy.

Daily highlight: Here’s a quintessentially Celtics play after Jaylen Brown missed a shot. He continued hustling, making a defensive play, followed by quick and efficient passing that culminated with another attempt from Brown (a three-pointer, which he made).

Trivia answer: Des Linden

Hayden Bird

Sports Staff

Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.

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