After months of speculation, AJ Brown is finally a New England Patriot — and Mike Vrabel seems happy.
Brown and Vrabel previously worked with the Tennessee Titans during the receiver’s first three seasons in the NFL. When the Browns’ relationship with the Philadelphia Eagles fell apart, Vrabel and the Patriots moved to complete the trade on Monday. The Patriots sent a 2027 fifth-round pick and a 2028 first-rounder to Philadelphia for Brown.
Vrabel said his familiarity with Brown helped, but it was about improving last year’s Super Bowl roster.
“Just trying to improve our football team in every way possible. Give our offense a lot of weapons to build on what we did last year,” Vrabel told reporters Tuesday. “I think having the experience of the person, to be able to add an accomplished NFL football player, a receiver, an elite player at his position, but someone we also feel strongly about as a person and a competitor and as a teammate.”
Vrabel pointed to Brown’s physicality as well as his passion for the game as strong positives.
“I think he loves football,” Vrabel said. “I think he’s got physicality. He’s got great body control. I think he’s strong on the catch. But I also think he’s grown as a player and as a receiver, just the nuances of releases versus pressure or playing against the bracket or zone coverage. Plays physical with the football and has been a productive, consistent player.”