'A Lot On the Line' For A.J. Brown As Star Receiver Looks to Starts Fresh With Patriots

‘A Lot On the Line’ For A.J. Brown As Star Receiver Looks to Starts Fresh With Patriots originally appeared on NESN.
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A.J. Brown has been issued a major warning ahead of his first season with the New England Patriots. 

In an article identifying the player with the most on the line for every team heading into the 2026 season, The Athletic’s Chad Graff selected Brown from the Patriots.

Graff argues that there will be a lot of pressure on Brown to perform in the upcoming 2026 season, and if New England’s offense sputters after how good it was last season, there will likely be a lot of fingers pointed at Brown. 

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“Brown essentially forced his way out of Philadelphia to head to his preferred team with his preferred coach and an ascending MVP candidate at quarterback. He’s joining a team that was in the Super Bowl last season,” Graff wrote. 

“If this doesn’t go well, a lot of fingers could be left pointing at Brown. He has a lot on the line to prove that he still has plenty left in the tank and can help a Patriots passing attack that was arguably already the NFL’s best a year ago.” 

Things could go one of two ways for Brown next season. He could prove to be the missing piece in New England’s Super Bowl quest. In that case, he would quickly stamp himself as a Patriots legend. But, if the team takes a step back after a Super Bowl berth last season, he could potentially fall out of favor with the fans. Let’s see what happens. 

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