wo massive dates loom on the NFL calendar. First is the 2026 NFL Draft, which kicks off on Thursday, April 23. Second is June 1, a massive date for salary cap accounting. With those two days fast approaching, it’s time to take a spin around the latest NFL rumors carousel, starting with that second date. The latest on A.J. Brown Heading into the start of NFL free agency, A.J. Brown was perhaps the biggest name linked to a potential trade. But as that June 1 date approaches — and the finances behind any potential Brown trade become easier — that market is heating up again, with league executives convinced that the Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver is heading to the AFC East. According to Mike Sando of The Athletic, several league executives told him that the Patriots are “likely” to land the receiver in what will be a competitive trade market. “Execs expect the Patriots to acquire receiver A.J. Brown from Philadelphia in June, once the salary-cap implications become more tenable for the Eagles,” wrote Sando. “It seems just a matter of waiting until June 1 passes for Philly to trade A.J. Brown, who in my opinion is a declining player each of the last three seasons,” added one particular league executive to the writer. New England did add Romeo Doubs via free agency, and has been linked to several wide receivers in this draft class. But adding Brown, who spent time with Mike Vrabel in Tennessee with the Titans, has been a popular talking point these past few months. One that may finally come true in a few more weeks. Chicago Bears planning Caleb Williams extension The Chicago Bears have a little time before they need to get a Caleb Williams extension done. But general manager Ryan Poles is waiting on a “green light” from the player — and his performance — before moving full speed ahead. i