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AJ Brown has already made a strong impression on his new team.
The New England Patriots’ newest wide receiver received strong praise from head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on Tuesday. In fact, after watching Brown practice for the first time since the Patriots traded for him on Monday, McDaniels compared the star receiver to one of the greatest Patriots players of all time.
“There’s a strength to the way he plays… Maybe the closest thing I’ve seen is Gronk,” McDaniels told reporters, referring to former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. “This is a big guy.”
Gronkowski became synonymous with the Patriots’ physical identity during his career, dominating defenders with his size, strength and presence in the red zone. Gronkowski recorded 79 touchdown receptions in his nine seasons with the Patriots, as New England hopes Brown can be its next big threat in the red zone.
Vrabel believes Brown can not only succeed in that role, but he also believes the wide receiver can bring an edge to New England’s offense similar to what Gronkowski once had.
“I think he loves football,” Vrabel told reporters Tuesday. “I think he’s got a physical skill set. I think he’s got great body control. I think he’s strong at the receiving end, but I also think he’s grown as a player and a wide receiver.”
Vrabel has seen Brown’s development firsthand. He coached Brown for three seasons with the Tennessee Titans, and watched the 2019 second-round pick quickly become one of the NFL’s top pass catchers. As the two team up again for the first time since 2021, Vrabel still has a unique understanding of what Brown can bring both on and off the field.
“Just the nuances of release versus press or replay versus bracketed coverage,” Vrabel said. “[Brown] “He plays the football physically and has been a productive, physical player.”
Brown’s ability to dominate defenders while also creating separation has made him one of the league’s toughest matchups at the position. That type of talent has helped Brown record six 1,000-yard seasons in his first seven years, reaching that threshold again in 2025 in what many thought was a bad season for the former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver.
Vrabel believes those traits can help elevate the Patriots’ offense in the future as the team looks to reach another Super Bowl in 2026.
“I’m excited to add the player,” Vrabel said. “I know the football team is looking forward to having him at practice and getting acclimated and whatever happens today.
For Brown, reuniting with Vrabel and officially being traded to the Patriots hasn’t fully sunk in yet. He described the move as almost “paradise,” capturing how surreal the moment has been now that it has become a reality.
“I’m just trying to take it all in as much as I can,” Brown told reporters. “Obviously I got back to work quickly, but there are levels. I’m enjoying it. Obviously, I know this isn’t heaven, but it’s close to it.”
