The New England Patriots parted ways with Stefon Diggs after just one season in Foxborough. Now, they’re looking for the next star pass catcher to pair with Drake Maye.
They’ve been tangled up in trade rumors regarding Philadelphia Eagles star WR A.J. Brown, who already played for head coach Mike Vrabel in Tennessee. According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, they’re still trying to get a deal done, but the Eagles are playing hardball:
“The conversations regarding A.J. Brown are not dead yet,” Wolfe said. “… But my understanding is that the Eagles’ asking price is still very high.”
That’s why GM Eliot Wolf had to keep an eye on other options. Per Wolfe, the Patriots always saw Green Bay Packers free agent Romeo Doubs as a potential alternative:
“They’re hoping to get another wide receiver (who’s) a little younger, a little more trending upward in his career,” Wolfe continued. “I know they like Romeo Doubs, he’s an intriguing option for them but, again, I think their No. 1 priority might be the trade market.”
Ultimately, the Patriots agreed to terms on a contract with Doubs, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed.
Doubs often had to share touches in the Packers’ stacked wide receivers room. Even so, he stepped up during their injury-riddled campaign, leading the team in targets (85), receptions (55), receiving yards (724) and touchdowns (6).
While not the same top-tier player as Brown, Doubs might only need a team of his own to take his game to the next level, and he’s only 25 years old. Spotrac projects his market value at just $12 million a year, so he should be right in the Patriots’ price range.
As for Brown, the Eagles are in no rush to move him, given that he’ll have to be traded with a post-June 1 designation anyway. They might alter their asking price at some point, but GM Howie Roseman will most likely try to make the most of whatever leverage he can get right now.
