A. J. Brown's $27. 45 million option is still live through September 8

The Patriots still have a $27. 45 million option bonus due on A. J. Brown the day before Kickoff. ESPN's remaining-contract math is 2026 salary of $1. 3 million plus that option, due Tuesday, September 8. Exercise and it prorates over five years, about $5. 49 million a year plus the $1. 3 million salary. Decline and the bonus converts to 2026 salary, about $28. 75 million against this year's cap. Over The Cap prints the prorated shape as a model...

By Reality Sports Online / 5 sources / Published September 2, 2026

Patriots.comThe A.J. Brown trade on June 1Club PR, June 1, 4:31 p.m.: New England acquired A.J. Brown from Philadelphia for future draft choices. Terms were not disclosed in the Patriots release. This is the trade, not an option-exercise filing.Read original
ESPNESPN: 2026 salary is $1.3 million plus a $27.45 million option due the day before KickoffESPN remaining-contract math: $1.3 million salary plus a $27.45 million option bonus due the day before the regular-season opener. Kickoff is Wednesday, September 9, so the clock is Tuesday, September 8. Exercise and prorate over five years, about $5.49 million a year plus the salary. Decline and it converts to about $28.75 million against this year's cap.Read original
Pats PulpitExercise spreads the option; decline dumps it on 2026If New England exercises, the $27.45 million option prorates at $5.49 million a year from 2026 through 2030. If it declines, the whole $27.45 million hits this year. That is contract math, not a club filing that they picked it up.Read original
Sports IllustratedThe clock is September 8.SI: the Patriots owe $1.3 million in 2026 salary and have until the day before the regular-season opener, September 8, to decide on the $27.45 million option. No new deal has been filed.Read original
Over The CapOver The Cap prints the prorated shape.Over The Cap currently prints A.J. Brown with a prorated 2026 option. Treat that as a model of the exercise path, not proof New England picked the option up. Watch the club transaction line through September 8.Read original

Related stories