BREAKING: PATRIOTS EMERGE AS TOP CONTENDER TO TRADE FOR AJ BROWN 🦅➡️🐐
The New England Patriots have long been a speculated potential landing spot for star wide receiver A.J. Brown. This only reached new heights after head coach Mike Vrabel, who worked with Brown for three years in Tennessee, was hired as the team's new head coach. Since then, Vrabel has only spoken very highly of Brown, not even closing the door on the possibility of bringing him to Foxborough when asked about it upon hiring (h/t @NESportsFellow).
At the time, this seemed implausible, especially after the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl a month later. Fast forward to today, and a Brown trade doesn't seem unrealistic. The Eagles have imploded, Brown sounds frustrated, and the Eagles will likely want to make a change before the November 4 trade deadline.
Patriots Must Explore AJ Brown Trade Possibility
If the Eagles decide to trade Brown, few teams are better fits than the Patriots. New England desperately needs more talent in the WR room and is bereft of elite playmakers outside of Stefon Diggs. Vrabel's familiarity with Brown can also help the All-Pro receiver get back into form after a disappointing start to the season in Philadelphia.
Before the season, it may have made little sense for the Patriots to trade for someone like Brown. They were in the midst of a rebuild, and it wasn't clear how good quarterback Drake Maye and the offense were going to be. Giving up significant draft capital to pay Brown a three-year, $96 million contract after you already broke the bank for Diggs was a risky move.
After five weeks of the season, however, the Patriots have proven to be in a win-now mode. Maye is already looking like an elite QB, and the Patriots are 3-2. With their next four games coming against the New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Atlanta Falcons, they could very well be 6-3 or 7-2 when the trade deadline rolls around. At that point, giving up some draft picks for a ceiling-raiser offensive star like Brown will not look like a bad idea at all.
There are a few factors in play here. It depends on how the next few weeks will go for the Eagles, as well as their asking price. The Patriots should still be hesitant to give up multiple early-round picks, but if they can get a discount because the situation in Philadelphia has gotten untenable, the front office must pounce on the opportunity.
Patriots fans can be sure that there will be some phone calls between now and the trade deadline between executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and Eagles general manager Howie Roseman.
BREAKING: Cam Schlittler’s Wild Card Performance Sends Baseball Card Market Into Frenzy
NEW YORK, NY — Cam Schlittler’s outstanding performance in the Wild Card game has not only propelled the New York Yankees to the ALDS but also created a massive ripple effect in the world of baseball collectibles. The 24-year-old rookie's eight-inning shutout performance, featuring 12 strikeouts and no walks, has captured the attention of both sports fans and collectors alike.
Schlittler’s dominant outing against the Boston Red Sox was a pivotal moment for the Yankees, securing their postseason spot and making a name for the young pitcher. However, it wasn’t just his on-field success that caused a stir. The performance sent his baseball card market soaring, as collectors rushed to grab pieces of memorabilia tied to his historic debut.
The Rise of Schlittler's Baseball Cards
Before his standout performance, Schlittler’s baseball cards, particularly his 1st Bowman Chrome base cards, were trading in the $20-$40 range. However, following his Wild Card heroics, the value of his cards has skyrocketed. Some of his rarer refractor versions have seen a staggering jump in price, with one example of a refractor numbered to 499 selling for $125 — up from its previous price of around $50. Autographed versions of his cards, once valued around $200, are now fetching between $500 and $700, and the rare “peanut refractor” numbered to five reached an eye-popping $5,500.
This rapid appreciation of his cards is a testament to the intersection of athletics and memorabilia in the modern sports world, where a single performance can alter the trajectory of a player's collectible value.
Topps Now Commemorates the Moment
In recognition of Schlittler’s historic night, Topps has released a limited-edition Topps Now card celebrating his performance. Priced at $11.99, the card features a detailed recount of his unforgettable outing. Various parallels, including autographed versions numbered to as few as five, have sold out almost immediately after their release, with the cards becoming an instant collector's item.
Fans have until October 4th to secure a piece of this historic moment, underscoring the growing significance of baseball cards in today’s sports culture, especially when they’re tied to pivotal postseason performances.
What’s Next for Schlittler?
As Schlittler prepares for his next start in the ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays, his momentum continues to build. If he can replicate or even surpass his Wild Card success, there’s no telling how high his collectible value could rise. For now, his fans and collectors are eagerly awaiting what could be another chapter in an already exciting postseason run.
His rise to prominence in both the baseball and collectible worlds showcases the growing influence athletes can have outside the field, where their performances fuel more than just game-winning moments but also cultural and financial booms.
For now, all eyes are on Schlittler. He’s not just a rising star for the Yankees — he’s a hot commodity in the world of baseball memorabilia, and if his postseason continues to impress, there’s no telling how far both his on-field career and his card market will go.
