What happened: New England acquired A.J. Brown in June for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder. His spring work centered on fades, hitches and slants from the boundary.
Why it matters: The draft cost raises the stakes for Brown to make an immediate impact in 2026. Selective slot work could create more favorable matchups as the season unfolds.
By the numbers: Brown caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025. He ran a 6% of his routes from outside the formation.
What to watch: Watch whether New England expands Brown's slot work during padded practices and preseason games.