Rams’ medical concerns over AJ Brown cast shadow on Patriots’ acquisition
The Los Angeles Rams reportedly passed on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown due to unsatisfactory medical findings, a decision that may have lowered the player’s market value before the New England Patriots secured his services.
The New England Patriots’ acquisition of wide receiver AJ Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles carries a layer of uncertainty that extends beyond the standard risk assessment of any high-profile trade. According to reports from NFL expert Jeff McLane, the Los Angeles Rams withdrew from trade negotiations for the star receiver after reviewing his medical records and finding them unsatisfactory.
Speaking on the Uncovering the Birds podcast, McLane confirmed that the Rams had obtained detailed medical information on Brown during their discussions with the Eagles. The Los Angeles franchise, typically characterised by an aggressive approach to the trade market and a willingness to spend premium assets for established stars, reportedly decided to step away from the deal entirely.
McLane suggested that the Rams’ hesitation played a significant role in the final valuation of the player. He noted that the Los Angeles decision helps explain why Brown’s market value did not reach the elevated levels some analysts had anticipated. The Rams ultimately pursued a different blockbuster path, trading for Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett in exchange for Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick.
In contrast, the New England Patriots secured Brown from the Eagles for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The move provides quarterback Drake Maye with a primary receiving target, addressing a critical need for the franchise. However, the fact that another competitive team reviewed the same medical data and declined to proceed raises questions about the health profile of the player New England has now added to its roster.
The contrast in strategies between the two franchises highlights the specific risk New England has accepted. While Los Angeles did not avoid risk altogether, it chose to allocate its resources toward Garrett rather than Brown. For the Patriots, the concern is that they may have inherited a medical liability that a win-now contender deemed too significant to assume, despite Brown’s status as one of the NFL’s most dangerous receivers.
