While the Baltimore Ravens got one boost with Myles Garrett departing from the AFC North, they learned that another Pro Bowler will be coming to the AFC. On Monday, A.J. Brown was traded to the New England Patriots.
This trade has been rumored for months. Brown has been disgruntled in Philadelphia, and it came to a boiling point this offseason. The Eagles finally granted him his wish by dealing him to the Patriots for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
This means the Ravens’ road back to the playoffs, and ultimately their road to the Super Bowl, will get even tougher. Yes, the Patriots are the defending AFC Champions, but many questioned if that was more due to their weaker schedule. Well, you can’t debate their talent any longer as they land an elite wideout.
Baltimore Ravens' AFC path gets more treacherous after A.J. Brown deal
The Ravens already know firsthand how dangerous the Patriots have become. They suffered a heartbreaking loss at their hands in Week 16 last year, and although a Lamar Jackson injury and horrific defense played roles in that defeat, New England’s talent is painfully clear. They’re already back to being a top AFC contender after seemingly endless dominance under Tom Brady. It's pretty annoying.
Last year, the Patriots made a Super Bowl run without a truly dominant number one option at wide receiver. Sure, Stefon Diggs broke 1,000 yards, but he ran hot and cold throughout almost the entirety of the 2025 campaign and he's currently a free agent. Romeo Doubs and Kayshon Boutte are solid options, but also don’t necessarily strike fear in opposing secondaries.
A.J. Brown will certainly do that, though. The Patriots have added a true WR1 for their rising star at quarterback, Drake Maye. Maye was oh so close to taking home the MVP award in just his second NFL season in 2025 at 23 years old. Now, just imagine what he can do with a drastically improved receiving group.
For the Ravens, who had major problems at cornerback last season, this isn’t great news to hear. The starting trio of Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, and Chidobe Awuzie is back for another campaign. They’re due a bounce back under new head coach Jesse Minter, but questions remain about a potential Humphrey and Awuzie regression, as they’ll both be in their 30s by the time 2026 kicks off.
Even though the Ravens don’t play the Patriots in the regular season this time around, if they make a return to the playoffs as many expect, they’ll likely have to deal with them then. And if they want to make a run to the Super Bowl for the first time in the Lamar Jackson era, the Patriots will present a major roadblock. After acquiring A.J. Brown, they’ll be an even bigger roadblock than they were last year.
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