Patriots Mailbag: A.J. Brown trade cost, Kayshon Boutte’s future and more

Key Points:

• The Patriots are close to acquiring Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, but the cost of the trade remains uncertain, with speculation that it may not involve a straight first-round pick due to Brown's health concerns and age.
• Brown's $25 million annual salary is in line with top NFL receivers, but the Patriots may prefer him over re-signing Stefon Diggs, who is seen as a short-term solution rather than a long-term foundational player.
• The Patriots' wide receiver room is crowded, making Kayshon Boutte the most likely candidate to be traded, especially if Brown joins the team, as his skill set overlaps with other receivers and he is in a contract year.
• Among new additions, A.J. Brown is expected to be the most impactful player, while rookies Caleb Lomu and Eli Raridon may have limited immediate contributions due to competition and depth at their positions.
• The Patriots continue to seek improvements at edge rusher and linebacker positions, with several veterans still available in free agency, while undrafted rookies like Myles Montgomery and Channing Canada have promising chances to make the roster.