Pats draft and AJ Brown Smoke Screen

Adam Schefter

"No matter what happens at this week's draft, an A.J. Brown trade to the Patriots is still on the table and still tracking to happen on or after June 1, per league sources," Schefter wrote. "The two sides have discussed a deal, but neither has been willing to commit to it until after June 1, when Brown's $40 million salary cap charge would be split between this and next year.

"All the elements remain in place to make it happen, and Brown to the Patriots is still the likely outcome ... just not during this week's draft, per sources

"The Patriots remain at the forefront of trade talks for Brown. Another team could always emerge, and there's a lot of time between now and June 1. But as of now, multiple sources say they believe Brown and the Patriots are likely to become a tandem."

Brown did not report to Eagles off season events

In Touch magazine

Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, tried to stop the New York Post from publishing shocking photos of head coach Mike Vrabel and The Athletic reporter Dianna Russini, according to multiple sources.

“Robert Kraft intervened and had his honchos pressure The Post before they published and tried to kill the story,” a source exclusively tells In Touch. “The Post gave Vrabel a longer time to respond than what is considered industry norms, and Kraft took advantage of that extended timeframe to put pressure on the reporter and the newspaper. A notorious crisis strategist made the call but was unsuccessful in neutering the story.”

Vrabel Speaks

"I've had some difficult conversations with people I care about about − with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players," Vrabel said as part of an opening statement on April 21, a full two weeks after the New York Post published the photos.

"Those have been positive and productive. We believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me. We never want our actions to negatively affect the team. You never want to be the cause of a distraction.

"What I can promise you is that my family, this organization, the team, the staff, the coaches, everybody − our fans, most importantly − will get the best version of me going forward."

Vrabel thanked local reporters for their patience amid his silence during what he called a "personal and private matter."

He also stated, "It was important to me to have a conversation with the players, which I did yesterday − very candidly."

Vrabel said he chose to speak Tuesday because he didn't want Patriots players to be asked questions about him before he had addressed them or the media. He also didn't want to detract from the attention on the NFL draft, which begins April 23 in Pittsburgh. The Patriots are scheduled to pick 31st overall on Thursday night.

Ray – Pats thoughts

Rich –

Bobby –

NFL Draft April 23rd

Patriots draft rumors tracker

4/20: The Patriots might have “some interest” in Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor. | Source

4/20: The Patriots might part with a first-round pick in 2027 or 2028 in order to facilitate at trade for A.J. Brown. | Source

4/20: For a second straight offseason, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is considered a potential trade candidate. | Source

4/20: More NFL teams are trying to trade down rather than up in the first round of the draft. | Source

4/20: The Patriots trading for Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown after June 1 is considered “likely.” | Source

4/19: Patriots tight ends Thomas Brown was at Vanderbilt’s pro day putting projected Day 2 tight end Eli Stowers through drills, a possible sign of interest on the team’s part. | Source

4/17: Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller might come off the board as early as the late teens. | Source

4/14: The Patriots have shown “a lot of interest” in Texas linebacker Trey Moore. | Source

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