A.J. Brown enters the 2026 NFL season as the New England Patriots’ clear No. 1 wide receiver after a June trade from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth. The 29-year-old posted 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during the 2025 campaign despite reduced targets in Philadelphia’s offense. Now aligned with quarterback Drake Maye and coordinator Josh McDaniels, Brown is expected to see elevated volume as the primary outside option, leveraging his physical style and red-zone reliability. Team officials have expressed confidence in his conditioning following prior knee and hamstring concerns, with preseason reports noting strong early chemistry. The Patriots’ offensive outlook and schedule strength will shape his touchdown opportunities across the 17-game regular season.