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The Eye on Foxborough Newsletter

March 13, 2026

A.J. Brown (AP Photo)

Kicking off

 

Will A.J. Brown be the cherry on top of a stellar Patriots offseason? Or nothing more than a cruel tease?

 

Along with how the Patriots tackle the NFL Draft next month, the possible trade for Brown has dominated the headlines.

 

Currently, the situation is in a bit of a holding pattern. But it's still very much on the table.

 

The Eagles are reportedly looking for a first and second round pick in exchange for Brown. The Patriots don't want to surrender the first round pick, or surrender those assets.

 

Adding into the intrigue, the Eagles prefer for the deal to take place after June 1 given financial ramifications. So next year's draft would be involved.

 

This week, the Eagles were left with more reason to dig in their heels.

 

The Miami Dolphins were able to land 2026 first, third and fourth picks from the Denver Broncos for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and a fourth round pick.

 

Waddle is a year younger than Brown. So the Eagles will contend Brown is worth at least a first round pick. The fact that he's better than Waddle will also back their demand.

 

Will the Patriots blink? 

 

Brown having chronic knee trouble might help the Patriots finagle a better deal if they're willing to accept the risk.

 

Seeing how it ultimately plays out remains an intriguing cliff-hanger when it comes to the Patriots offseason.

 

Here's some clips from the week: 

Does Jaylen Waddle trade raise the price of A.J. Brown for Patriots? | Mark Daniels

 

Patriots’ receiver room in 2026: Is Romeo Doubs enough without A.J. Brown? | Karen Guregian

 

Patriots roster analysis one week into NFL free agency | Karen Guregian

 

Patriots free agency 2026: How New England is remodeling after Super Bowl 60

 

Patriots sign veteran cornerback with ties to Mike Vrabel

 

New Patriots tight end willing to walk ‘into that fire’ for Drake Maye

 

Patriots new fullback has big plans for offense: ‘You’re going to see somebody’s head pop’

 

Patriots offensive tackle raves about Drake Maye, what QB brings to team

 

 

This Week In History

(Each week, MassLive will dig back into the past, pick a certain year, and time-frame, and relive what was happening with the Patriots)

 

The year: 2013

The news: I spent much of this week out in Denver. Why? Because former Patriots all-world slot receiver Wes Welker was being introduced as a Denver Bronco.

Welker, who arrived in New England via trade from Miami in March of 2007, had been a Patriot for six seasons, and carried on the excellence at the position established by Troy Brown. He was a five-time Pro Bowler, and and two-time first team All-Pro as a Patriot. During that stretch from 2007-2012, Welker caught more passes than any payer in the league during that stretch.

But after being unable to reach an agreement with the Patriots, wound up signing a two-year, $12 million deal with the Broncos. Instead of Tom Brady, he would now be catching passes from Peyton Manning. During that introductory press conference, Welker cast no stones in the Patriots direction with respect to their contentious contract negotiation. The only time he let his feelings show was talking about Brady, and their magic connection. He said leaving Brady was the hardest part.

To help replace Welker, the Patriots signed Danny Amendola, who created his own niche with Brady. As did Julian Edelman, who became more of the slot receiver in the image of Brown and Welker.

 

 

Patriots Question of the Week

Here is this week's highlighted question:

 

What's the biggest hole the Patriots still need to fill? - Wendy from Waltham

 

Guregian: Edge rusher. The Patriots signed Dre'Mont Jones to beef up an anemic pass rush, but still need more. They lost K'Lavon Chaisson and Harold Landry is 30 and reportedly coming off knee surgery. 

 

So I'd put that at the top of the needs list.

 

Close behind is a No. 2 tight end. The Patriots signed Julian Hill, but he's more of a blocking tight end. They need another pass-catching tight end to complement Hunter Henry.

 

They also need an offensive tackle who could fill in for either Will Campbell or Morgan Moses. 

 

After that, more depth at safety behind Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson would be next on the list. 

 

 

NOTE: MassLive columnist Karen Guregian will answer reader questions in this space weekly. If you have questions on the Patriots, NFL, or anything else, email Karen at kguregian@masslive.com or tweet to @kguregian.

 

Mike Vrabel (AP photo)

 

More Patriots coverage

 

Patriots make several changes to Mike Vrabel’s coaching staff

 

Promising Patriots rookie receives top-10 NFL performance bonus

 

Former Patriots linebacker signs with Arizona Cardinals

 

Drake Maye’s first QB coach lands new gig with NFC contender after a year away

 

Will Patriots legend Tom Brady compete in Olympic flag football at 50? Here’s what he said

 

Restaurant co-owned by former Patriots player named best vegan-friendly spot in America

 

 

 

NOTE: If you like what you see here, make sure to follow MassLive's Patriots reporters Chris Mason and Mark Daniels and columnists Karen Guregian, Matt Vautour and Sean McAdam and Nick O'Malley on Twitter. You should also bookmark MassLive's Patriots page and like our Patriots page on Facebook. 

 

 

 

MORE MASSLIVE SPORTS COVERAGE:

 

 

Kristaps Porzingis makes bold statement about Celtics after Warriors rout

 

4 takeaways as Celtics crush Warriors after star erupts in first quarter

 

Draymond Green says Jayson Tatum ‘looks incredible’ after comeback

 

Robert Parish raves about Joe Mazzulla, compares him to Hall of Fame coach

 

Red Sox roster: Could someone upset Connor Wong (2-for-26 in spring), win backup catcher job?

 

Roman Anthony, Alex Bregman reunited at WBC — and it feels so good

 

Marcelo Mayer ‘checking all the boxes,’ so why aren’t Red Sox promising Opening Day roster spot?

 

Bruins dominate at home, cruise past Jets

 

How Tuesday’s overtime loss impacted Bruins’ playoff position

 

 

 

 

You're all caught up.

Thanks for reading MassLive's New England Patriots newsletter!

Remember, you can find the latest Patriots news at MassLive.com/Patriots and by liking MassLive's Patriots Facebook Page.

 

If you like our Patriots newsletter, MassLive also has newsletters covering the Boston Red Sox, the Sunday Sports Page, High School Sports, Breaking News and much more.

 

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