Patriots Acquire A.J. Brown From Eagles for 2028 First-Rounder and 2027 Fifth-Rounder

J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Brown took part in his first practice with the Patriots on Tuesday in Foxborough, Mass.

He said the experience felt close to heaven. "Obviously I know this ain't heaven. But it's close to it," Brown said after the session. Brown told reporters he spoke with his mother after practice. "I was just talking to my mom and saying, 'I'm still in awe,'" he said.

He described walking up the hill in uniform and realizing the moment was real. Brown said he caught himself not paying attention during drills because he was taking everything in. Brown said he quickly returned to work after the distraction.

He added that he had no injury and was ready to go. Brown deflected questions about his departure from the Eagles. "I won't get into details about it, but I'm excited for the opportunity. Moving forward," he said.

Brown had wanted the Patriots to select him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The team instead chose N'Keal Harry. Brown said he left his draft party and sat dejected in the closet of his bedroom because he had wanted to play with quarterback Tom Brady.

Now entering his eighth NFL season, Brown said of joining the Patriots, "Better late than never. " Brown elected not to wear jersey No. 11 with the Patriots.