Bills Eye AJ Brown, Drive Up Price for Patriots

Bills Eye AJ Brown, Drive Up Price for Patriots

The NFL offseason is buzzing, and the Buffalo Bills are reportedly looking to make a splash. With whispers of a potential trade for star wide receiver A.J. Brown, the Bills are not just eyeing a new weapon for quarterback Josh Allen, but also aiming to prevent a key rival from boosting their own offense.

The Buffalo Bills recently made a significant move by acquiring wide receiver D.J. Moore.

This move is seen as a solid step, but some analysts believe it’s not enough to compete at the highest level in the AFC East. The team was 15th in passing yards per game last season, and while their offense was good, the passing attack could certainly use more firepower.

The A.J. Brown Sweepstakes

The possibility of A.J. Brown landing with the New England Patriots has stirred debate.

Some insiders suggest that if the Patriots acquire Brown, they could become one of the top teams in the AFC. This potential move has the Bills strategizing, not only to potentially add Brown themselves but also to drive up the price for their rivals.

“If I’m the Buffalo Bills, it is discernibly a two-team race in the AFC East. Miami, the Jets clearly rebuilding.

And worst case scenario for the Bills is not to get A.J. Brown, it’s if he goes to New England because now we have to cover him twice a year.”

This sentiment highlights the competitive nature of the AFC East. The idea is that if the Bills can’t get Brown, the next best option is to ensure he doesn’t land with a direct competitor like the Patriots. This strategy could involve engaging in negotiations to inflate the asking price, even if the Bills don’t ultimately make the trade.

Moore vs. Brown: A Strategic Move

The acquisition of D.J. Moore is viewed as a positive step for the Bills, earning a solid ‘B’ grade from some analysts. However, the allure of A.J.

Brown is undeniable. The Bills are considering whether to pursue Brown further, especially if it means keeping him away from New England.

The thinking is that by showing interest, Buffalo can force the Patriots to offer more, potentially making the deal too expensive for New England. This tactic is a classic chess move in the NFL offseason, aiming to gain an advantage through strategic negotiation.

Is Brown Overvalued?

While A.J. Brown is considered a difference-maker, some experts question if his value has been inflated.

A list of receivers who some might take ahead of Brown includes names like Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua, CeeDee Lamb, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Garrett Wilson. This perspective suggests that while Brown is a talented player, he might not be the undisputed top-tier receiver some believe him to be.

The fact that a player of Brown’s caliber is available for trade for the second time in his career is unusual. He is not yet 29 years old, leading some to wonder about the reasons behind his availability. This situation adds another layer of complexity to the trade discussions.

Patriots’ Perspective

If A.J. Brown were to join the Patriots, it could signal a strong belief in their current trajectory.

Some believe this would mean the organization accurately assesses itself as a good team that is on the rise. Adding a player like Brown would be a move to push them over the top.

However, there are reservations. With a young quarterback like Drake Maye potentially leading the team, some wonder if adding a veteran receiver like Brown is the right move. The coach of the Patriots, Mike Vrabel, previously coached Brown in Tennessee, which could be a significant factor in any potential deal.

Kansas City Chiefs’ Draft Strategy

The conversation also touched on the Kansas City Chiefs and their draft positions at picks nine and 29. General Manager Brett Veach is known for his active phone lines during the draft. Potential targets for the Chiefs include cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry from LSU or a wide receiver or pass rusher.

Losing both starting corners is a major concern for the Chiefs, making a cornerback a priority. While Patrick Mahomes can help manufacture offense, a lack of corners can hinder a team’s ability to reach its ultimate goals. McKinstry is seen as a potential solution to this defensive gap.

Arizona Cardinals’ Draft Dilemma

The Arizona Cardinals, needing help across the board, face a decision at pick three. While running back Jeremiah Love is considered a top offensive prospect, some analysts believe the team should prioritize other positions.

The prevailing thought in the league, driven by analytics, is that taking a running back so high in the draft is not the most valuable use of a pick. This is especially true when considering the team’s needs at other positions like pass rusher. The lesson from last year’s draft, with Ashton Gentry’s struggles, suggests that even a talented running back may not make a significant impact on a struggling team.

The Value of Elite Talent

Despite the analytical arguments against drafting running backs early, some still believe in taking the best player available. The argument is that a truly exceptional player, like Walter Payton was for the Chicago Bears, can change a team’s dynamic, regardless of quarterback situation or positional value.

However, the current free agency market shows that teams are paying top dollar for offensive tackles, wide receivers, cornerbacks, and quarterbacks. These are the positions considered to have the most value in today’s NFL, and they do not include running backs taken in the top three.

The draft is still weeks away, and much can change. Teams like the Bills and Patriots will continue to strategize, while the Chiefs and Cardinals will weigh their options carefully with their high draft picks.

Source: Can the Bills DRIVE UP THE PRICE for the Patriots landing A.J. Brown? 📈 | Get Up (YouTube)