A.J. Brown enters the 2026 regular season as the New England Patriots’ clear No. 1 wide receiver after a June trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. Paired with quarterback Drake Maye in an offense led by Mike Vrabel, Brown is expected to command a high target share, including red-zone work, following four straight 1,000-yard campaigns and at least seven receiving touchdowns in each of his last four full seasons. His 2025 output of 78 receptions, 1,003 yards, and seven scores in 15 games occurred amid reported friction in Philadelphia. Team officials express confidence in his knee management and overall durability heading into Week 1, though a training-camp thumb issue and prior hamstring concerns remain minor monitoring points. Other receivers such as Romeo Doubs provide depth but do not challenge his alpha role.