The New England Patriots offseason continues with OTAs beginning next week and the month of June less than two weeks away — where a certain wide receiver is then expected to be traded.
So, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
Obviously, with rumors swirling around Boutte and Brown, as we get closer to the June 1st target date, what do you think a trade package looks like for AJ Brown at this point? And what does the hypothetical inclusion of Boutte do in terms of assets? – LandenPatz1
The
most likely outcome at this stage appears to be a 2028 first-round pick heading from New England to Philadelphia for A.J. Brown. I’ve been against surrendering any first-rounder in this deal — and would still prefer a package centered around a 2027 second-round pick — but a 2028 first-rounder is more reasonable. It would give the Patriots another full offseason to continue building the roster while also allowing them to keep a valuable 2027 first-round pick in what is expected to be a strong draft class.
There could also be late-round picks added on either side, but it’s hard to envision Kayshon Boutte being involved given Philadelphia’s depth additions at wide receiver this offseason. New England would likely look to find a separate trade partner for Boutte in order to recoup some late-round draft capital.
If no AJ Brown what’s the next move at WR position (if any) ? – 7i165
There aren’t many moves left on the market outside of a potential reunion with Stefon Diggs. While it remains difficult to envision both A.J. Brown and Diggs landing in New England together, pivoting back to Diggs becomes more likely if Brown ends up elsewhere.
Beyond that, Brown landing with another team could potentially make a receiver such as Brian Thomas Jr. or Davante Adams more expendable.
If John Lynch on the 49ers offered you the opportunity to trade for a WR who was in the last year of their rookie deal as a former 6th round pick, had good ball skills, but average size and athleticism in every way and ran a limited route tree. This receiver had never caught more than 43 passes in a season, never surpassed 600 yards, and was the starting X receiver for a QB that finished 2nd in the MVP voting and nearly set records for completion percentage while throwing one of the prettiest and accurate deep balls in the league… what would you be willing to pay for this receiver in 2027 draft capital, how much do you believe his AAV salary would be if re-signed, and where do you see him fitting into a good team (starter, 3rd receiver, 4th or 5th receiver? – MK9
This completely hypothetical wide receiver sounds like a solid, but not spectacular, third or fourth receiver on a team, as he’s never eclipsed 600 yards despite that level of quarterback talent. League-wide, he’s probably worth a fifth- or sixth-round pick, but I’d hold off in New England and give last year’s third-round pick Kyle Williams the snaps.
In seriousness, when it comes to Kayshon Boutte, the 24-year-old’s improvement from his rookie season has been awesome to watch. But he is not an irreplaceable receiver and is not on the level of someone like A.J. Brown. Upgrading that position is necessary for the Patriots to become a true Super Bowl contender, and it also wouldn’t be surprising if Boutte is open to a move elsewhere in a contract year, as his volume will be even lower than usual with Brown and Romeo Doubs in the mix.
Who is Spillane’s backup and heir apparent? What Do the Pats coaches know about the younger, cheaper, and seemingly less-capable LB squad that we don’t know? – WannaBe Pats GM
What’s the downside – if any – of bringing Matt Milano on board? – Arschloch
Entering spring practices, I would project free agent addition K.J. Britt or Chad Muma as Spillane’s top backup. His heir apparent may not currently be on the roster, unless the staff believes one of those 26-year-olds has more to offer with an increased defensive role moving forward.
With linebacker depth projecting as one of the biggest remaining holes on the roster, the main downside to adding a veteran such as Milano would be potentially burying a younger option they believe in — along with the potential financial cost. I’d expect the Patriots to evaluate the position throughout the spring before deciding whether to add a short-term option to the group ahead of training camp.
What do you think of Janarius Robinson as away to help the edge depth? Any thoughts on FA vets for LB or S depth while we are at it? – Sportzballer
With Gabe Jacas still sidelined and Quintayvious Hutchins now dealing with a legal issue (although remaining around the team), adding another option along the edge wouldn’t hurt. The team did not sign Robinson following a workout this week, but some layer of depth there would be beneficial.
Am I the only one who is going to be so happy when the A.J. Brown situation is finally resolved? – mathblaster97
It’s been months years of A.J. Brown speculation to New England. We should all be happy no matter how this is finally resolved.
That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.
