After months of speculation, A.J. Brown is finally a New England Patriot — and Mike Vrabel appears happy.
Brown and Vrabel worked together previously with the Tennessee Titans during the receiver’s first three seasons in the NFL. When Brown’s relationship with the Philadelphia Eagles broke down, Vrabel and the Patriots swooped in to consummate a trade on Monday. The Patriots sent a 2027 fifth-round draft pick and a 2028 first-rounder to Philadelphia for Brown.
Vrabel said his familiarity with Brown helped but that this was about improving the roster of last year’s Super Bowl runners-up.
“Just trying to improve our football team in every possible way. Give our offense multiple weapons to build on what we did last year,” Vrabel told reporters on Tuesday. “I think having experience with the person, to be able to add an accomplished NFL football player, receiver, premium player at his position, but somebody that we also feel strongly about as a person and a competitor and as a teammate.”
Vrabel noted Brown’s physical traits as well as his passion for the game as strong positives.
“I think he loves football,” Vrabel said. “I think that he has a physical skill set. He’s got great body control. I think he’s strong at the catch point. But I also think as he’s grown as a player and as a receiver, just the nuances of releases vs. press or playing vs. bracketed coverages or zone coverages. Plays physically with the football and has been a productive and consistent player.”
