New England Patriots star wide reciever A.J. Brown has fallen in the new Top-100 player ranking from ESPN.
After reaching the Super Bowl last season, the New England Patriots enter the 2026 season ready to prove themselves again.
New England exceeded expectations in 2025, using an easier schedule to their advantage. But this season, they won't be surprising anyone, and the team will have a target on their backs.
The Patriots were exposed in the Super Bowl by the Seattle Seahawks, mainly on the offensive side of the ball. So, the front office decided to get star quarterback Drake Maye some help, trading for wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Brown now gives the Patriots a true No. 1 option on offense, and he reunites with head coach Mike Vrabel from their days with the Tennessee Titans. Being with the Patriots, Brown should have plenty of reason for motivation, proving his worth around the NFL.
After the trade, some have questioned Brown, mainly due to his off-the-field antics with the Eagles. Brown wasn't happy in Philadelphia, and sometimes, he allowed this to get in the wya.
So, heading into the season, Brown has fallen significantly in the Top-100 player rankings from ESPN. Last year, Brown came in ranked No. 26, but this year he comes in ranked No. 46.
With the Eagles last year, Brown still put together a nice season, catching 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns. If he can bring this type of production to New England, the Patriots may be in good shape to build on the success from 2025.
ESPN NFL analyst Mike Reiss provided some more insight into how Brown can help the Patriots this season.
"Brown caught six passes in an Aug. 19 practice against the Eagles, his former team, which reflected how he has been energized by a fresh start with the team that he rooted for growing up," Reiss wrote. "At 6-foot-1, 226 pounds, Brown has shown up this summer as one of QB Drake Maye's go-to targets in the red zone, where his physical presence has helped him win several contested-catch situations."
Teams with strong pass rush, like the Seahawks, were able to throw the Patriots off in 2025 due to the lack of offensive weapons. But with Brown in the mix, it will be much tougher for teams.
If Maye can keep building on his breakout year, the Patriots could be very dangerous once again. This team will get a chance to show off its new weapon against the Seahawks in Week 1, giving them the opportunity to get some revenge for the Super Bowl loss.
