A.J. Brown enters the 2026 season as the clear No. 1 wide receiver for the New England Patriots after a June trade from Philadelphia, positioning him for elevated target volume in an offense centered on quarterback Drake Maye. Brown posted 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during 2025 despite sharing targets with DeVonta Smith. He has recorded at least seven receiving touchdowns in six of his seven NFL seasons and maintains strong red-zone production. Training camp reports highlight growing chemistry with Maye, including multiple red-zone connections, while minor knee maintenance and a thumb issue have not limited participation. Analysts project Brown for roughly 85 receptions, 1,100–1,200 yards, and 7–9 touchdowns as the primary option in a pass-friendly scheme under Mike Vrabel.