Patriots Trade Options: Two Receivers Who Could Fill the Void if A.J. Brown Pursuit Falls Through

The New England Patriots have apparently been doing their homework on Philadelphia star A.J. Brown, but if those discussions do not produce a deal, the team still has viable paths to upgrading its receiving corps this offseason. With Drake Maye entering his second season and the roster clearly built to win now, adding a difference-maker at receiver has to be a priority.

One name that keeps surfacing in trade speculation is Marvin Harrison Jr., the Arizona Cardinals fourth overall pick from two years ago. Harrison has not quite delivered on the generational talent label that followed him out of Ohio State, but the truth is his development has been sabotaged by inconsistent quarterback play. Last season showed glimpses of the player Arizona thought it was getting, with Harrison looking faster and more decisive before an injury limited him to just 12 games.

The Cardinals are deep in a rebuild and currently without a franchise quarterback of their own. With a new head coach now in town, players from the previous regime often become trade candidates. Harrison would be a remarkable fit in New England. Playing alongside Drake Maye, an MVP-caliber talent at quarterback, could unlock what the Arizona coaching staff never could. The Patriots have the draft capital to make a deal work, and adding a young receiver with Harrison ceiling would accelerate their rebuild significantly.

If Harrison proves unavailable, D.K. Metcalf presents an equally compelling alternative. Metcalf and Brown were college teammates at Ole Miss, so there is already a connection there, but what makes Metcalf particularly interesting is the direct link to Aaron Rodgers fate. If Rodgers decides to retire, Seattle would likely look to accelerate its own rebuild by moving veterans for draft capital. Metcalf would give New England exactly what it needs: a big-bodied target who can stretch the field and force defenses to account for his size and speed simultaneously.

Metcalf contract situation actually makes him more movable than many assume. His salary guarantee for 2026 was voided following his suspension last season, leaving the Seahawks with a bargain of a contract relative to his production. A trio of Drake Maye, Metcalf, and the recently signed Romeo Doubs would give the Patriots one of the more exciting young receiving corps in the AFC.

Whether it is Harrison or Metcalf, the Patriots appear determined to give their promising young quarterback every tool necessary to succeed. If Brown ultimately stays in Philadelphia, New England will not lack for alternatives.