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A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on September 14, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Over the last couple of years, the New England Patriots have been heavily connected to a potential trade for Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown.

Those rumors have hit an all-time high this offseason. In fact, the widespread belief is that the Patriots and Eagles will work out a Brown trade sometime around June 1.

Brown could still return to Philadelphia, but that would be a surprise. As for New England, the team has been looking to bring in a star for Drake Maye. Brown would certainly be that kind of addition.

With that being said, no trade has gotten done yet. Until a trade is finalized, there is no guarantee the two teams will be able to work out the final details.

Keeping that in mind, the Patriots have been urged to make a surprising decision when it comes to the Brown trade talks.

Patriots Urged to Pursue Bigger Fish Than A.J. Brown

New England reporter Marc Bertrand believes that New England should consider pursuing an even bigger name than Brown. He made his thoughts known during a segment on “Zolak & Bertrand.”

“Well, if you’re going to start throwing around a first-round pick, don’t you want to start thinking about shooting higher?” Bertrand said.

“Don’t you want to start calling around the league saying, ‘Hey, our first round picks are on the table, are any of the very best receivers in the sport available?'”

Bertrand does make a good point. Brown is a very good wide receiver, but could the Patriots acquire an even better option? A couple of options were suggested.

Could New England consider going all-out to try and acquire Justin Jefferson from the Minnesota Vikings? How about a move for Nico Collins from the Houston Texans? Both of those suggestions were made as alternatives.

Mike Vrabel’s Relationship With A.J. Brown Could Seal the Deal

There is a chance that the Patriots could land a better player than Brown. However, the reality of the situation is that Mike Vrabel may not want to.

Vrabel and Brown had a good relationship during their time with the Tennessee Titans together. That connection has been one of the biggest reasons for the current rumors.

Brown is one of the more talented wideouts in the NFL. He has produced at least 1,000 receiving yards in six of his seven seasons. Those numbers would look very good in New England.

More than likely, the Vikings aren’t going to have interest in trading Jefferson. Collins could be available, but it would be open for debate about whether or not he’s on the same level as Brown.

While acquiring an even better wide receiver than Brown would be great, the Patriots may not even have an opportunity to make that kind of move.