A.J. Brown expected to be key player for Patriots in 2026

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is projected to make a significant impact during the 2026 NFL season. He ranks fourth among players on new teams anticipated to enhance their franchises, according to a ranking by Fox Sports’ Ben Arthur. Acquired from the Eagles, Brown is expected to fulfill a critical role as a top receiver, addressing a gap that saw the Patriots struggle with receiving yardage in the previous playoffs. Despite not having standout playoff performances for the Eagles last season, Brown has demonstrated robust regular-season stats, including multiple games with over 100 receiving yards. As the Patriots look to advance in the postseason next year, Brown's capabilities as a downfield threat are anticipated to help bolster their offense.

• 2:00 PMYahoo Sports — Will WR A.J. Brown be NFL’s most impactful new addition in 2026?