It's not out of the realm of possibility that the Patriots shift focus to this player as the June 1st deadline looms.
In the eyes of many NFL executives who have chosen to remain anonymous, the A.J. Brown trade to the New England Patriots seems like a done deal, even though it has not been announced yet.
The Philadelphia Eagles will most likely look to move him after the June 1st deadline to save on the cap hit for the team. Still, anything is possible between now and then, and if another team were to swoop in with an out-of-this-world offer for Brown, the Patriots should keep their eyes on other potential suitors for a veteran wideout.
Look no further than southwestern Pennsylvania, where current Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf awaits some pieces to fall into place to decide where he wants to play next season.
Before last season, Metcalf signed a five-year, $150 million contract extension with the Steelers this time last year after he was traded from the Seattle Seahawks. Many saw his arrival on the team linked with the arrival of Aaron Rodgers as quarterback.
However, Rodgers signed only a one-year deal with the Steelers. So many think that if Rodgers were to return next season under new head coach Mike McCarthy, it would be a sure indication that Metcalf would want to stick around.
If not, and the Steelers want to rebuild, there may be room to negotiate a trade and start over fresh in 2026, looking towards the future.
Metcalf's salary guarantee for next season was voided due to his suspension last year. There is still a good amount of money left on his salary that a team that is in need of a veteran wideout threat could want to take on.
The Patriots brought in Romeo Doubs in free agency, and although there is widespread agreement that he is an ascending receiver in the NFL. He does not fit the bill of a WR1. Not to say Metcalf is anymore either, but he has had experience in that role in the past.
Plus, there is a need for a win-now mentality for both parties. Metcalf has fallen short in both the Seahawks' and the Steelers' postseason runs. The Patriots were one win away from a Vince Lombardi trophy.
Oddly enough, Metcalf and Brown were college teammates at Ole Miss from 2016 to 2018.
If Brown does not make it into a Patriots uniform this summer, Doubs, Metcalf, and Maye sound like an impressive trio as well.
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