Patriots mailbag: Are there alternatives if a trade with the Eagles for A.J. Brown can’t be worked out?
Welcome back to the mailbag. As the expected post-June 1 date for an A.J. Brown trade nears, readers are curious about the veteran wide receiver and wonder if there are other alternatives if the Patriots and Eagles can’t consummate a deal. Let’s get to it.
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We still keep hearing A.J. Brown is definitely coming to the Patriots. Why should they part with much-needed draft picks for this aging and complaining wide receiver? Wouldn’t it be a lot cheaper to draft one in the first round next year and sign one on the cheap from this list: Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs, Deebo Samuel, Keenan Allen, or DeAndre Hopkins?
— Jim Deveau, Pawleys Island, S.C.
If Brown is available, he’s the best option, and it’s not particularly close. His background with Mike Vrabel in Tennessee, his recent production, and the fact that he would be (relatively) cost-effective put him at the top of the list. He’s the only one on that list who is under 30, has topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last four seasons, and has played 13 or more games in each of those four years.
All signs point to New England acquiring A.J. Brown next month, but as the Maxx Crosby situation proved, nothing is ever final until the ink is dry on the contract. If, for whatever reason, the Brown deal doesn’t happen, what are the chances of the Patriots reuniting with Stefon Diggs now that his legal situation is cleared up? Would he be a plus or a minus for team chemistry, given the circumstances?
— Patrick Halley, Bartow, Fla.
I saw a report Stefon Diggs could be signed for around $10 million on a one-year deal. Why the heck wouldn’t New England bring him back?
— Douglas Lowe, Boston
When it comes to “you never know,” I’d also throw last offseason’s pursuit of Milton Williams in there, as well. Williams was a Carolina Panther . . . until he wasn’t. If a Brown trade doesn’t happen, Diggs would be an intriguing fallback. He’d probably balk at $10 million a year, but if you could find some common ground on money, he’d be a plus for team chemistry. I know a lot of guys on both sides of the ball liked him and appreciated his contributions last season. That being said, I think the idea of Diggs returning would be a long shot.
Why does everyone think the A.J. Brown to the Patriots on June 1st is a fait accompli? Other teams need receiver help too; the Bills and Chiefs, for example. San Francisco, Seattle, and the Los Angeles Chargers all have plenty of cap space to make a deal, too. Any team could swoop in and meet Philly’s asking price if the Patriots stand firm of not sending back a No. 1 pick.
— Jack Sheehan, Amherst
The team that I still wouldn’t rule out is the Rams. They have a history of parting with draft picks in the name of acquiring talent, just enough financial flexibility, and their championship window is open (which means they can offer Brown an opportunity to win another ring). The potential uncertainty around Puka Nacua’s future could also play a role in the Rams making a move.
Which AFC East team has had the best overall offseason so far? And why?
— Ed Helinski, Auburn, N.Y.
The Bills and Dolphins have been active. I really like what they did in the draft, as both got Day 2 and 3 players I thought would have been good fits in Foxborough in wide receiver Skyler Bell (to the Bills) and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (to the Dolphins). But to paraphrase John Wooden, let’s not mistake activity for achievement. It’s also worth mentioning the Jets have done well, landing a few draft picks that I really like (David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq, and Omar Cooper). Basically, there’s been good improvement across the board, but if the Patriots land Brown — as I expect — they are better than they were last year, and I think that would put them over the top.
Do you think they’ve done enough or have enough now for a solid defensive tackle rotation even after the losses at the position?
— Derek Richardson, Springfield
There are still a few veteran free agents out there, but in terms of impactful guys, they may be done for now. I dislike the loss of Khyiris Tonga. Smart and effective, he was the perfect complementary piece alongside Christian Barmore and Milton Williams as a run stopper. Moving forward, they’re going to ask a lot from youngster Cory Durden. Durden played well as part of the rotation last year, but he figures to see a spike in playing time with Tonga gone. I’d also expect Joshua Farmer, Dre’Mont Jones, and Leonard Taylor to get more reps along the interior, with Jones also bouncing to an edge role as needed.
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Some questions are edited for length or clarity.
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