The New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs are both monitoring the possibility of the Philadelphia Eagles trading star wide receiver A.J. Brown this offseason, a scenario that could dramatically alter their offensive plans for 2026.
Brown‘s potential availability has sparked intense speculation across the NFL, as teams weigh the cost of acquiring a top-tier receiver while balancing draft capital and salary cap considerations. The Patriots have emerged as a leading suitor in these discussions.
“I’ll just tell you what I’ve heard from folks across the league is that yes, Howie Roseman will probably want about what Denver gave up to get Jaylen Waddle,” Perry said to NBC Sports Boston. “In order for Philly to be willing to trade A.J. Brown.
“That’s just what I’ve heard from executives in the league when it comes to this Waddle trade. Their initial reaction was, ‘Howie is probably going to want something right around that kind of haul. First and a third.'” The price would be steep for New England.
Brown posted 1,003 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games last season, marking the sixth time in seven seasons he has eclipsed 1,000 yards. Such a weapon does not come along often, and the Patriots see him as a game-changing addition.
For New England, giving up a first-round pick and a third-round selection would be a significant investment, but the team’s championship window is open. Head coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots are positioned to go all-in on winning a Super Bowl.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are keeping tabs on the situation but face hurdles of their own.
Kansas City holds two first-round picks, yet the front office will likely reserve such premium picks for other roster needs, and salary cap considerations limit their flexibility in making a blockbuster trade.
Who could the Chiefs trade for at wide receiver?
Kansas City‘s wide receiver room features young talent, yet the team lacks a proven No. 1 threat beyond Rashee Rice. Xavier Worthy regressed in his sophomore season, and Jaylen Royals has barely seen the field, leaving a gap in production that must be addressed.
Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints is a potential target for the Chiefs.
The wideout recorded 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, earning second-team All-Pro honors, and would provide the dynamic presence Mahomes has lacked since Tyreek Hill‘s departure.
While the Saints may be hesitant to trade Olave after his breakout season, the Chiefs have ample draft capital and future assets to offer a compelling package. If contract negotiations with New Orleans stall, Olave could be available for the right deal.
Adding Olave would give Kansas City a reliable veteran option to complement Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, stabilizing the receiving corps and improving Mahomes‘ opportunities to convert big plays, particularly in critical playoff situations.
With Mahomes recovering fully from last season’s late injury, the Chiefs are poised to return to the playoffs in 2026.
Front office executives are prepared to explore any opportunity to acquire a proven wide receiver who can elevate the team’s Super Bowl aspirations.
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