Mike Vrabel Reacts to Patriots Trading for WR AJ Brown

The reunion between Mike Vrabel and A.J. Brown is officially underway after the Philadelphia Eagles traded Brown to the New England Patriots on Monday in exchange for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

Brown and Vrabel spent three seasons together with the Tennessee Titans, and on Tuesday, following the three-time Pro Bowler’s arrival at the Patriots’ facility, Vrabel reacted to the major offensive addition.

"Just trying to improve our football team in every possible way. Give our offense multiple weapons to build on what we did last year," Vrabel told reporters. "I think having experience with the person, to be able to add an accomplished NFL football player, receiver, a premium player at his position, but somebody that we also feel strongly about as a person, a competitor, and a teammate."

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Vrabel went on to praise Brown’s physical traits, which have helped make him one of the NFL’s top wide receivers throughout his career.

"I think he loves football," Vrabel said. "I think that he has a physical skill set. He’s got great body control. I think he’s strong at the catch point. But I also think, as he’s grown as a player and as a receiver, the nuances of releases versus press coverage, or playing against bracket coverages and zone coverages. He plays physically with the football and has been a productive and consistent player."

Brown also revealed that the first thing Vrabel told him after the trade became official was a simple message that reflected the coach’s straightforward approach.

"Get open and catch the ball," Brown said. "That's what he always says."

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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 1:39 PM.