For the last few years, the Patriots have been linked to several big-name receivers who were either headed to or rumored to be traded from their current teams. Because New England has long needed a WR1, that means they were consistently part of the conversation, particularly regarding AJ Brown.
Besides almost being drafted by Bill Belichick in 2019, Brown has become even more connected to the Patriots since Mike Vrabel arrived, as he was the head coach of the Titans when the receiver was traded to the Eagles. Because he heavily opposed the trade and wanted to build a strong offense around Drake Maye, it left the door open for a blockbuster trade.