A.J. Brown enters the 2026 season as the Patriots’ clear top wide receiver after a June trade from Philadelphia, where he posted 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during 2025. Paired with quarterback Drake Maye in an offense expected to feature higher passing volume and a larger target share for Brown, analysts project potential for nine or more receiving touchdowns if he stays healthy and maintains his career rate near 10 percent of receptions. Week 1 ankle injury sustained against Seattle raises short-term availability concerns, as such issues can linger and limit red-zone work early in the year. His consistent recent production and new situation position him for elevated scoring opportunities relative to prior Eagles tenure.