NFL Insider Shares Unfortunate Update On A.J. Brown Trade Timeline

NFL Insider Shares Unfortunate Update On A.J. Brown Trade Timeline originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Many insiders expected the New England Patriots to trade for A.J. Brown after June 1, but a deal may not happen right away.

During an appearance on the "Rick Eisen Show," NFL insider Mike Garafolo revealed that talks could stretch into July. He noted that even though Brown is "likely" to end up a Patriot, the negotiations between the two sides have to be "rebooted."

"It's going to have to be rebboted, and it's going to have to get done," said Garafolo. "It doesn't have to happen on June 1st or 2nd. It can happen in the middle of July, right before training camp."

Contrary to popular belief, the Patriots and Eagles likely do not already have a deal in place and are just waiting for the calendar to turn. There may be a framework done, but the Eagles are going to try to get as much as they can out of the Patriots. That could mean talking to other teams as well, just to drive up the price.

The longer it takes to get a deal done, the worse it is for the Patriots. The Eagles seem like they know Brown will not be with the team next season, so they can operate as is. However, for the Patriots, if it takes until July to get a deal done, that means there is even less time for Brown to get up to speed. The Patriots would obviously prefer to have him in the building as soon as possible.

Additionally, if talks drag out, it gives other teams time to swoop in and make a substantial offer of their own. 

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