File Away These A.J. Brown Comments About Mike Vrabel For Patriots Offseason

Will A.J. Brown be catching passes from Drake Maye for the Patriots to start the 2025 NFL season? The answer is almost certainly no.

In fact, Brown’s most likely residence next season is the same one he’s enjoyed for the last three seasons as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. If all goes according to plan Sunday, Brown will have a Super Bowl ring in Philly, all but cementing his status as a franchise great, even over a short run.

If things don’t go well, though, and if for some reason the Eagles decide it’s in their best long-term interests to see what Brown’s trade market looks like, Mike Vrabel and the Patriots sure feel like a team that might be interested in making a deal.

We’ve already heard the Patriots coach, who coached Brown in Tennessee, sing the wideout’s praises. Brown, while preparing for Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs, returned the favor this week — even if it wasn’t always this way for him.

“Early on in the league — he doesn’t know this — but I didn’t like him,” Brown admitted Thursday, per the New York Post. “I used to take notes and write ‘I do not like Vrabes. I do not like Vrabes.’ He would make me take notes and do all these things that are uncomfortable as a rookie. As I got older and was learning, he was developing me and getting me ready for moments like these.”

Brown added: “He’s an incredible coach, and we have an incredible relationship. I’m happy for him. I’m always wishing him success — that’s everybody I’m close with.”

That should make Patriots fans’ ears perk up for more than one reason. The first is obvious: Brown and Vrabel clearly have a mutual admiration, and if he does come available, that might give the Patriots an upper hand. The other encouraging aspect of the quote is Brown is just the latest former Vrabel player to give the coach earnest praise for helping him develop as a player and a professional.

While Brown might be a pipe dream — especially for now — what can’t be argued is the Patriots need an upgrade at the receiver position as part of a lengthy offseason to-do list.