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Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd and the 8 best WNBA rookies, ranked We’re almost a month into the WNBA season, and it’s time to take a look at how the 2026 draft class has fared thus far.Full disclaimer: it’s early days, and a lot of this will change. Still, here’s a way-too-early glance at the Rookie fo the Year race.1. Olivia Miles, Minnesota LynxDraft Number: No. 2Stats: 15.8 points (on 49.5% shooting), 6.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 stealsMinutes per game: 30.6Olivia Miles has been incredible in the early days of the WNBA season. She leads all rookies in minutes, points, made field goals (5.4), and made free throws per game (4.7). The Lynx have outscored opponents by 12.1 points per game with her on the floor, and in turn, they have the league’s best record at 7-2. Miles has looked much more like a 10-year veteran than a rookie so far.2. Azzi Fudd, Dallas WingsDraft Number: No. 1Stats: 12.1 points (on 57.1% shooting and 43.8% from three), 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 1 blockMinutes per game: 25.5Azzi Fudd came off the bench to begin the season, but she’s been on an upward trajectory. The Dallas Wings, meanwhile, keep winning games. Fudd has scored at least 22 points in two of the last three games, and in double figures in four of the last six.3. Kiki Rice, Toronto TempoDraft Number: No. 6Stats: 13.1 points (on 55.2% shooting and 40.9% from three), 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assistsMinutes per game: 27The former UCLA standout has been awesome for the Tempo in her rookie campaign. She’s the second-leading scorer among rookies, the 5th-leading rebounder, and she’s been a critical part of the Tempo’s 5-4 start to the year. Rice has been shooting lights out from three, while showing versatility on both ends of the floor.4. Pauline Astier, New York LibertyDraft Number: UndraftedStats: 12 points (on 61.2% shooting and 47.1% from three), 3.7 rebounds, 3.6 assistsMinutes per game: 26.2Pauline Astier, the 24-year-old undrafted rookie out of France, has been huge for the Liberty, particularly in the wake of so many early-season injuries. She’s the fifth-leading scorer among rookies and has been shooting lights out. Astier has started 8 of 9 games this season for the Liberty, and filled in well with Sabirna Ionescu sidelined.5. Gabriella Jaquez, Chicago SkyDraft Number: No. 5Stats: 11.5 points (on 42.9% shooting and 33.3% from three), 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 stealsMinutes per game: 28.3Lots of people wondered if Gabriella Jaquez was drafted too high at No. 5, calling into question whether UCLA’s recent title run had swayed WNBA front offices too much. But Jaquez has been every bit the player Jeff Pagliocca and the Sky front office envisioned when they selected her fifth overall. She’s scored in the double-figures in four of her last six games, and has been one of the top rebounders in the class. The only concern is that she’s been sidelined since May 23rd with a knee injury.6. Jovana Nogic, Phoenix MercuryDraft Number: UndraftedStats: 12.8 points (on 42.9% shooting and 50.9% from three), 1.5 assists, 1 reboundMinutes per game: 21.9It’s been an interesting season for Nogic, the 28-year-old rookie out of Serbia. On one hand, she’s been an offensive powerhouse — the third-leading scorer on the Mercury and third-leading scorer among rookies. On the other hand, she’s seen limited minutes on a Mercury squad that has been among the league’s worst (they’re currently one of two teams with a 2-8 record). Nogic will probably need to be better on the defensive end of the floor, but she’s already shown she can score with the best of them.7. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle StormDraft Number: No. 8Stats: 11.9 points (on 31.2% shooting and 25% from three), 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assistsMinutes per game: 26.2Flau’jae Johnson was drafted 8th overall by the Golden State Valkyries and subsequently traded to the Seattle Storm on draft night in exchange for Marta Suarez, who was later waived. Johnson will probably benefit from that trade; she’s already playing the fourth-most among rookies, and is averaging the 6th-most points per game. But, Johnson hasn’t been very efficient — not unusual for a rookie WNBA guard. The Storm is a good landing spot for her to figure it all out.8. Sydney Taylor, Chicago SkyDraft Number: UndraftedStats: 9.2 points (on 32.7% shooting and 21.2% from three), 1.5 assists, 1.2 reboundsMinutes per game: 13.9Sydney Taylor has been one of the biggest surprises in the rookie class. The former Louisville standout went undrafted, signed with the Sky, and has since become a rotation player. Last Wednesday, she poured in a career-high 27 points in a loss to the Toronto Tempo. Like Johnson, Taylor hasn’t been particularly efficient, but she’s managed to find minutes on the roster and showed flashes of the scoring prowess that could keep her on the court. #Olivia #Miles #Azzi #Fudd #WNBA #rookies #ranked

Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd and the 8 best WNBA rookies, ranked

We’re almost a month into the WNBA season, and it’s time to take a look at how the 2026 draft class has fared thus far.

Full disclaimer: it’s early days, and a lot of this will change. Still, here’s a way-too-early glance at the Rookie fo the Year race.

1. Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx

Draft Number: No. 2
Stats: 15.8 points (on 49.5% shooting), 6.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 steals
Minutes per game: 30.6

Olivia Miles has been incredible in the early days of the WNBA season. She leads all rookies in minutes, points, made field goals (5.4), and made free throws per game (4.7). The Lynx have outscored opponents by 12.1 points per game with her on the floor, and in turn, they have the league’s best record at 7-2. Miles has looked much more like a 10-year veteran than a rookie so far.

2. Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings

Draft Number: No. 1
Stats: 12.1 points (on 57.1% shooting and 43.8% from three), 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 1 block
Minutes per game: 25.5

Azzi Fudd came off the bench to begin the season, but she’s been on an upward trajectory. The Dallas Wings, meanwhile, keep winning games. Fudd has scored at least 22 points in two of the last three games, and in double figures in four of the last six.

3. Kiki Rice, Toronto Tempo

Draft Number: No. 6
Stats: 13.1 points (on 55.2% shooting and 40.9% from three), 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists
Minutes per game: 27

The former UCLA standout has been awesome for the Tempo in her rookie campaign. She’s the second-leading scorer among rookies, the 5th-leading rebounder, and she’s been a critical part of the Tempo’s 5-4 start to the year. Rice has been shooting lights out from three, while showing versatility on both ends of the floor.

4. Pauline Astier, New York Liberty

Draft Number: Undrafted
Stats: 12 points (on 61.2% shooting and 47.1% from three), 3.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists
Minutes per game: 26.2

Pauline Astier, the 24-year-old undrafted rookie out of France, has been huge for the Liberty, particularly in the wake of so many early-season injuries. She’s the fifth-leading scorer among rookies and has been shooting lights out. Astier has started 8 of 9 games this season for the Liberty, and filled in well with Sabirna Ionescu sidelined.

5. Gabriella Jaquez, Chicago Sky

Draft Number: No. 5
Stats: 11.5 points (on 42.9% shooting and 33.3% from three), 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals
Minutes per game: 28.3

Lots of people wondered if Gabriella Jaquez was drafted too high at No. 5, calling into question whether UCLA’s recent title run had swayed WNBA front offices too much. But Jaquez has been every bit the player Jeff Pagliocca and the Sky front office envisioned when they selected her fifth overall. She’s scored in the double-figures in four of her last six games, and has been one of the top rebounders in the class. The only concern is that she’s been sidelined since May 23rd with a knee injury.

6. Jovana Nogic, Phoenix Mercury

Draft Number: Undrafted
Stats: 12.8 points (on 42.9% shooting and 50.9% from three), 1.5 assists, 1 rebound
Minutes per game: 21.9

It’s been an interesting season for Nogic, the 28-year-old rookie out of Serbia. On one hand, she’s been an offensive powerhouse — the third-leading scorer on the Mercury and third-leading scorer among rookies. On the other hand, she’s seen limited minutes on a Mercury squad that has been among the league’s worst (they’re currently one of two teams with a 2-8 record). Nogic will probably need to be better on the defensive end of the floor, but she’s already shown she can score with the best of them.

7. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle Storm

Draft Number: No. 8
Stats: 11.9 points (on 31.2% shooting and 25% from three), 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Minutes per game: 26.2

Flau’jae Johnson was drafted 8th overall by the Golden State Valkyries and subsequently traded to the Seattle Storm on draft night in exchange for Marta Suarez, who was later waived. Johnson will probably benefit from that trade; she’s already playing the fourth-most among rookies, and is averaging the 6th-most points per game. But, Johnson hasn’t been very efficient — not unusual for a rookie WNBA guard. The Storm is a good landing spot for her to figure it all out.

8. Sydney Taylor, Chicago Sky

Draft Number: Undrafted
Stats: 9.2 points (on 32.7% shooting and 21.2% from three), 1.5 assists, 1.2 rebounds
Minutes per game: 13.9

Sydney Taylor has been one of the biggest surprises in the rookie class. The former Louisville standout went undrafted, signed with the Sky, and has since become a rotation player. Last Wednesday, she poured in a career-high 27 points in a loss to the Toronto Tempo. Like Johnson, Taylor hasn’t been particularly efficient, but she’s managed to find minutes on the roster and showed flashes of the scoring prowess that could keep her on the court.

#Olivia #Miles #Azzi #Fudd #WNBA #rookies #ranked

Sports news

We’re almost a month into the WNBA season, and it’s time to take a look at how the 2026 draft class has fared thus far.

Full disclaimer: it’s early days, and a lot of this will change. Still, here’s a way-too-early glance at the Rookie fo the Year race.

1. Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx

Draft Number: No. 2
Stats: 15.8 points (on 49.5% shooting), 6.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 steals
Minutes per game: 30.6

Olivia Miles has been incredible in the early days of the WNBA season. She leads all rookies in minutes, points, made field goals (5.4), and made free throws per game (4.7). The Lynx have outscored opponents by 12.1 points per game with her on the floor, and in turn, they have the league’s best record at 7-2. Miles has looked much more like a 10-year veteran than a rookie so far.

2. Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings

Draft Number: No. 1
Stats: 12.1 points (on 57.1% shooting and 43.8% from three), 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 1 block
Minutes per game: 25.5

Azzi Fudd came off the bench to begin the season, but she’s been on an upward trajectory. The Dallas Wings, meanwhile, keep winning games. Fudd has scored at least 22 points in two of the last three games, and in double figures in four of the last six.

3. Kiki Rice, Toronto Tempo

Draft Number: No. 6
Stats: 13.1 points (on 55.2% shooting and 40.9% from three), 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists
Minutes per game: 27

The former UCLA standout has been awesome for the Tempo in her rookie campaign. She’s the second-leading scorer among rookies, the 5th-leading rebounder, and she’s been a critical part of the Tempo’s 5-4 start to the year. Rice has been shooting lights out from three, while showing versatility on both ends of the floor.

4. Pauline Astier, New York Liberty

Draft Number: Undrafted
Stats: 12 points (on 61.2% shooting and 47.1% from three), 3.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists
Minutes per game: 26.2

Pauline Astier, the 24-year-old undrafted rookie out of France, has been huge for the Liberty, particularly in the wake of so many early-season injuries. She’s the fifth-leading scorer among rookies and has been shooting lights out. Astier has started 8 of 9 games this season for the Liberty, and filled in well with Sabirna Ionescu sidelined.

5. Gabriella Jaquez, Chicago Sky

Draft Number: No. 5
Stats: 11.5 points (on 42.9% shooting and 33.3% from three), 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals
Minutes per game: 28.3

Lots of people wondered if Gabriella Jaquez was drafted too high at No. 5, calling into question whether UCLA’s recent title run had swayed WNBA front offices too much. But Jaquez has been every bit the player Jeff Pagliocca and the Sky front office envisioned when they selected her fifth overall. She’s scored in the double-figures in four of her last six games, and has been one of the top rebounders in the class. The only concern is that she’s been sidelined since May 23rd with a knee injury.

6. Jovana Nogic, Phoenix Mercury

Draft Number: Undrafted
Stats: 12.8 points (on 42.9% shooting and 50.9% from three), 1.5 assists, 1 rebound
Minutes per game: 21.9

It’s been an interesting season for Nogic, the 28-year-old rookie out of Serbia. On one hand, she’s been an offensive powerhouse — the third-leading scorer on the Mercury and third-leading scorer among rookies. On the other hand, she’s seen limited minutes on a Mercury squad that has been among the league’s worst (they’re currently one of two teams with a 2-8 record). Nogic will probably need to be better on the defensive end of the floor, but she’s already shown she can score with the best of them.

7. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle Storm

Draft Number: No. 8
Stats: 11.9 points (on 31.2% shooting and 25% from three), 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Minutes per game: 26.2

Flau’jae Johnson was drafted 8th overall by the Golden State Valkyries and subsequently traded to the Seattle Storm on draft night in exchange for Marta Suarez, who was later waived. Johnson will probably benefit from that trade; she’s already playing the fourth-most among rookies, and is averaging the 6th-most points per game. But, Johnson hasn’t been very efficient — not unusual for a rookie WNBA guard. The Storm is a good landing spot for her to figure it all out.

8. Sydney Taylor, Chicago Sky

Draft Number: Undrafted
Stats: 9.2 points (on 32.7% shooting and 21.2% from three), 1.5 assists, 1.2 rebounds
Minutes per game: 13.9

Sydney Taylor has been one of the biggest surprises in the rookie class. The former Louisville standout went undrafted, signed with the Sky, and has since become a rotation player. Last Wednesday, she poured in a career-high 27 points in a loss to the Toronto Tempo. Like Johnson, Taylor hasn’t been particularly efficient, but she’s managed to find minutes on the roster and showed flashes of the scoring prowess that could keep her on the court.

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Deadspin | Aaron Rai keen to learn from mistakes heading into Memorial Tournament May 17, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Aaron Rai reacts with the trophy after winning the final round of the PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images Aaron Rai’s fifth-place finish at last month’s Myrtle Beach Classic may seem like a disappointment considering he led going into the weekend, but he said the outcome was “massively” important to his ensuing PGA Championship win. The setback also provided lessons he’ll carry into this week’s Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club. “That experience at Myrtle Beach was absolutely invaluable for the PGA, and I’m not sure I would have handled the situation as well as I did at the PGA if I hadn’t experienced it the week before at Myrtle Beach,” Rai said at a press conference Tuesday ahead of the tournament in Dublin, Ohio. The 31-year-old Englishman said getting used to the feeling of being in the last group at Myrtle Beach, something he hadn’t been a part of for at least five months prior, was “huge.” He also said some “small things” that happened during his final round helped set him up well for his first major win at the PGA Championship. “Bits from the crowd, bits from a couple of mistakes that I made in the midsection of the round. I think I made four bogeys in a row around the turn. I think just kind of where my mind went, certain things that I could have dealt with better, I was very aware of even on the Saturday of the PGA,” Rai said. “I think when you’ve had that experience so recently before, it’s a lot fresher in the mind and it’s a lot easier to make those adjustments. So, yeah, that was crucial, really.” Rai expressed an eagerness to play at Muirfield, which he called “an amazing golf course” and one of his favorites on the PGA Tour. “It’s an absolutely incredible event, a course that I absolutely love,” he said. “Very demanding. I think it requires a complete game no matter what your skill set is, whether you’re a little shorter, whether you’re a little longer, whether you’re straight, whether the short game is good. It requires everything to be successful around this event.” This will be Rai’s fourth Tour start at Muirfield. He finished T26 in 2022 but missed the cut in his last two appearances in 2023 and 2025. He said those experiences on the course have shown that “it’s really hard,” but he plans to take what he’s learned from previous years and apply it this weekend. “Certainly after playing it a little bit more, it definitely requires a little bit more understanding, and I probably haven’t done as good of a job as I could in terms of my preparation, especially last year,” Rai said of his 9-over-par finish when he posted rounds of 79 and 74 in missing the cut. “I think just trying to approach it a little bit better. Got here slightly earlier this week as well in order to do so. And to just learn from a couple of the mistakes that I’ve made in previous years.” Rai will have to get past two-time defending champion and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who finished at 10-under last year for a four-stroke victory over Ben Griffin. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Aaron #Rai #keen #learn #mistakes #heading #Memorial #TournamentMay 17, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Aaron Rai reacts with the trophy after winning the final round of the PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images

Aaron Rai’s fifth-place finish at last month’s Myrtle Beach Classic may seem like a disappointment considering he led going into the weekend, but he said the outcome was “massively” important to his ensuing PGA Championship win.

The setback also provided lessons he’ll carry into this week’s Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

“That experience at Myrtle Beach was absolutely invaluable for the PGA, and I’m not sure I would have handled the situation as well as I did at the PGA if I hadn’t experienced it the week before at Myrtle Beach,” Rai said at a press conference Tuesday ahead of the tournament in Dublin, Ohio.

The 31-year-old Englishman said getting used to the feeling of being in the last group at Myrtle Beach, something he hadn’t been a part of for at least five months prior, was “huge.”

He also said some “small things” that happened during his final round helped set him up well for his first major win at the PGA Championship.

“Bits from the crowd, bits from a couple of mistakes that I made in the midsection of the round. I think I made four bogeys in a row around the turn. I think just kind of where my mind went, certain things that I could have dealt with better, I was very aware of even on the Saturday of the PGA,” Rai said.

“I think when you’ve had that experience so recently before, it’s a lot fresher in the mind and it’s a lot easier to make those adjustments. So, yeah, that was crucial, really.”


Rai expressed an eagerness to play at Muirfield, which he called “an amazing golf course” and one of his favorites on the PGA Tour.

“It’s an absolutely incredible event, a course that I absolutely love,” he said. “Very demanding. I think it requires a complete game no matter what your skill set is, whether you’re a little shorter, whether you’re a little longer, whether you’re straight, whether the short game is good. It requires everything to be successful around this event.”

This will be Rai’s fourth Tour start at Muirfield. He finished T26 in 2022 but missed the cut in his last two appearances in 2023 and 2025.

He said those experiences on the course have shown that “it’s really hard,” but he plans to take what he’s learned from previous years and apply it this weekend.

“Certainly after playing it a little bit more, it definitely requires a little bit more understanding, and I probably haven’t done as good of a job as I could in terms of my preparation, especially last year,” Rai said of his 9-over-par finish when he posted rounds of 79 and 74 in missing the cut.

“I think just trying to approach it a little bit better. Got here slightly earlier this week as well in order to do so. And to just learn from a couple of the mistakes that I’ve made in previous years.”

Rai will have to get past two-time defending champion and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who finished at 10-under last year for a four-stroke victory over Ben Griffin.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Aaron #Rai #keen #learn #mistakes #heading #Memorial #Tournament">Deadspin | Aaron Rai keen to learn from mistakes heading into Memorial Tournament May 17, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA; Aaron Rai reacts with the trophy after winning the final round of the PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images Aaron Rai’s fifth-place finish at last month’s Myrtle Beach Classic may seem like a disappointment considering he led going into the weekend, but he said the outcome was “massively” important to his ensuing PGA Championship win. The setback also provided lessons he’ll carry into this week’s Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club. “That experience at Myrtle Beach was absolutely invaluable for the PGA, and I’m not sure I would have handled the situation as well as I did at the PGA if I hadn’t experienced it the week before at Myrtle Beach,” Rai said at a press conference Tuesday ahead of the tournament in Dublin, Ohio. The 31-year-old Englishman said getting used to the feeling of being in the last group at Myrtle Beach, something he hadn’t been a part of for at least five months prior, was “huge.” He also said some “small things” that happened during his final round helped set him up well for his first major win at the PGA Championship. “Bits from the crowd, bits from a couple of mistakes that I made in the midsection of the round. I think I made four bogeys in a row around the turn. I think just kind of where my mind went, certain things that I could have dealt with better, I was very aware of even on the Saturday of the PGA,” Rai said. “I think when you’ve had that experience so recently before, it’s a lot fresher in the mind and it’s a lot easier to make those adjustments. So, yeah, that was crucial, really.” Rai expressed an eagerness to play at Muirfield, which he called “an amazing golf course” and one of his favorites on the PGA Tour. “It’s an absolutely incredible event, a course that I absolutely love,” he said. “Very demanding. I think it requires a complete game no matter what your skill set is, whether you’re a little shorter, whether you’re a little longer, whether you’re straight, whether the short game is good. It requires everything to be successful around this event.” This will be Rai’s fourth Tour start at Muirfield. He finished T26 in 2022 but missed the cut in his last two appearances in 2023 and 2025. He said those experiences on the course have shown that “it’s really hard,” but he plans to take what he’s learned from previous years and apply it this weekend. “Certainly after playing it a little bit more, it definitely requires a little bit more understanding, and I probably haven’t done as good of a job as I could in terms of my preparation, especially last year,” Rai said of his 9-over-par finish when he posted rounds of 79 and 74 in missing the cut. “I think just trying to approach it a little bit better. Got here slightly earlier this week as well in order to do so. And to just learn from a couple of the mistakes that I’ve made in previous years.” Rai will have to get past two-time defending champion and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who finished at 10-under last year for a four-stroke victory over Ben Griffin. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Aaron #Rai #keen #learn #mistakes #heading #Memorial #Tournament

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa did the double over five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen after beating the Norwegian in Round 8 of the ongoing Norway Chess 2026 tournament.

The Indian had gotten the better of Carlsen earlier in the competition as well, in the fourth round.

With two rounds left in the competition, Praggnanandhaa now sits third with 12 points, two off leader Wesley So of USA. Frenchman Alireza Firouzja is second with 13 points.

The other Indian in the fray in the Open section, D. Gukesh, suffered a loss against Firouzja. Gukesh is placed last with eight points, with Carlsen ahead by just a point.

More to follow…

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#Norway #Chess #Praggnanandhaa #beats #Carlsen #stay #hunt #title">Norway Chess 2026: Praggnanandhaa beats Carlsen to stay in hunt for title Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa did the double over five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen after beating the Norwegian in Round 8 of the ongoing Norway Chess 2026 tournament.The Indian had gotten the better of Carlsen earlier in the competition as well, in the fourth round.With two rounds left in the competition, Praggnanandhaa now sits third with 12 points, two off leader Wesley So of USA. Frenchman Alireza Firouzja is second with 13 points.The other Indian in the fray in the Open section, D. Gukesh, suffered a loss against Firouzja. Gukesh is placed last with eight points, with Carlsen ahead by just a point.More to follow…Published on Jun 03, 2026 #Norway #Chess #Praggnanandhaa #beats #Carlsen #stay #hunt #title

The New England Patriots probably overpaid in the blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver A.J. Brown.

The Patriots gave up a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round selection for Brown, the 28-year-old Super Bowl champion that wanted a fresh start away from Philadelphia.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.

The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.

That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.

After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.

If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.

The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. 

How the Patriots could win this trade

Considering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.

He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.

This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.

The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking.

#Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com">New England’s A.J. Brown Trade Comes With Huge Risk and Huge Reward | Deadspin.com The New England Patriots probably overpaid in the blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver A.J. Brown.The Patriots gave up a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round selection for Brown, the 28-year-old Super Bowl champion that wanted a fresh start away from Philadelphia.According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. How the Patriots could win this tradeConsidering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking. #Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com

never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.

The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.

That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.

After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.

If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.

The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. 

How the Patriots could win this trade

Considering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.

He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.

This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.

The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking.

#Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com">New England’s A.J. Brown Trade Comes With Huge Risk and Huge Reward | Deadspin.com

The New England Patriots probably overpaid in the blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for wide receiver A.J. Brown.

The Patriots gave up a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round selection for Brown, the 28-year-old Super Bowl champion that wanted a fresh start away from Philadelphia.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel never wanted to trade Brown to the Eagles when he was coaching the Tennessee Titans. Now, the defensive-minded Vrabel lands a wide receiver that he’s comfortable with to help the Patriots get one step closer to raising another Super Bowl banner following their loss against the Seattle Seahawks in February.

The 2028 first-round pick is a huge price to pay. That’s two drafts away, and there’s no guarantee that the Patriots, or any organization, will be able to replicate their successful 2025 season three years in a row. Even though Vrabel and Patriots young quarterback Drake Maye seem to be the next elite combination in Foxborough, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Trading a first round draft pick two years into the future is always a big gamble.

That gamble all depends on Brown’s ability to return to form with the Patriots.

After winning the Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2024, Brown became increasingly fed up with his role in Kevin Patullo’s offense. Despite Brown’s frustration with Philadelphia, he still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games during what would become his final season with the Eagles.

If Brown’s sour attitude follows him to New England, or reappears at any point before the 2029 NFL Draft, the Patriots might look back and wince at this trade.

The 28-year-old wasn’t an All-Pro last season for the first time since 2021 with the Titans, which was the only season of his career that Brown failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Brown turns 29 in June, so there will be natural questions about whether or not his best football is behind him. 

How the Patriots could win this trade

Considering that New England will send their 2028 first-round pick to Philadelphia, the Patriots will need him to be dominant through the 2029 campaign.

He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, at age 33.

This is obviously a calculated gamble. If Brown could be Maye’s unquestioned wide receiver No. 1 over the next four seasons, this is a home run for the Patriots. Brown understands what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he joins a franchise in New England that rebounded quickly, but now expects another championship.

The joy of having Maye on a rookie quarterback contract allows the Patriots to take big swings like this. The risk comes in if they take an unexpected step back in 2027, which is still a full season away. A lot can happen between now and then. But as long as Brown is still catching touchdowns and eclipsing 1,000 yard seasons, this is a gamble that seems worth taking.

#Englands #A.J #Brown #Trade #Huge #Risk #Huge #Reward #Deadspin.com

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