Can Patriots Get A.J. Brown’s Career Back On Track After Down Year? originally appeared on NESN.
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The New England Patriotsofficially traded for A.J. Brown on Monday, acquiring him from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for two draft picks.
While the Patriots got one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, it’s fair to wonder if he’s already in decline. His receiving yards total has decreased every year since 2022, and his 12.9 yards per catch last season were a career low. He also turns 29 this month and is nearing the end of his physical prime.
Fortunately, he’s in a great spot to reverse those trends and bounce back with New England. The former Super Bowl champ gets to play with Drake Maye, who’s one of the best deep ball passers in the league and was last year’s NFL MVP runner-up.
Maye is a significant quarterback upgrade over Jalen Hurts, who threw for nearly 1,200 fewer yards than Maye last season and is a far less prolific passer.
What new Patriots WR A.J. Brown has to look forward to working with New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels: pic.twitter.com/yCMNkVHov5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 2, 2026
Brown should also benefit from working with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who has a long history of giving wide receivers a boost in their first season with him. Look no further than last year, when Stefon Diggs racked up 1,013 receiving yards and averaged his most yards per catch since 2022.
Brown also gets to reunite with two-time NFL Coach of the Year in Mike Vrabel, who coached him for three seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Vrabel has a good relationship with the three-time Pro Bowler and knows how to keep him happy and motivated.
Accordingly, Brown seems poised for a big season with New England so long as he and Maye stay healthy. His production soared the last time he changed teams, so it won’t be surprising if that happens again.
More NFL: Patriots Insider Reveals Why A.J. Brown Is Perfect Fit For New England