Suddenly, the NFL is less than two months away from the start of the regular season. In just a few weeks, the preseason will kick off, and rookies will make their on-field debuts. However, those aren’t the only debuts fans are eagerly anticipating.

Several blockbuster trades and notable free agent signings highlighted the offseason. Among them was the long-anticipated trade that sent AJ Brown to the New England Patriots. Needless to say, many fans are eager to see him reunite with head coach Mike Vrabel.

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The NFL’s official website recently released its list of the most anticipated debuts of the 2026 season. Brown topped the list and is undoubtedly one of the league’s most highly anticipated newcomers.

“In arguably the most anticipated matchup of Week 1, we get one of the most anticipated player debuts of the entire slate. After months of questions and consternation, Brown was finally traded from the Eagles to the Patriots, theoretically landing Drake Maye a true WR1 and adding juice to the passing attack that New England frankly didn’t have in Super Bowl LX. Will he be enough to tip the scales for the Pats? We’ll find out right at the start of the 2026 season in this title game rematch.”

Brown represents a significant upgrade over Stefon Diggs, whom the Patriots released this offseason. New England also bolstered its receiving corps by signing Romeo Doubs in free agency.

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Although Brown’s pairing with quarterback Drake Maye has generated plenty of excitement, the biggest storyline is his reunion with Vrabel.

Brown entered the NFL under Vrabel after the Tennessee Titans selected him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The two worked together until the Titans traded Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles after contract extension negotiations fell apart.

Brown continued to thrive in Philadelphia, helping lead the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances and capturing a championship just a few years ago.

However, tensions surfaced during the Eagles’ title defense, ultimately leading to Brown’s trade this offseason. Now reunited in New England, Brown and Vrabel will try to accomplish what they couldn’t in Tennessee: make a Super Bowl run.