Jets AFC East uphill climb just got even steeper after A.J. Brown trade

How cruel is it that the New England Patriots were able to pull off a turnaround that the New York Jets have failed to do for the last 15 years?

The Patriots, despite winning six Super Bowls in the 21st century, are already back to contending after a brief rebuilding period. Hitting on your quarterback in the draft will certainly help out in that department.

Coming off an appearance in the Super Bowl, New England is doing everything it can to get back there, and on Monday, they made a trade that has certainly made them a more talented team.

After months of rumors and speculation that there was a deal in place, the Patriots finally traded for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, giving Drake Maye his WR1 and widening the gap in the AFC East from the likes of the Jets.

Jets fans puncing the air after A.J. Brown trade

As if New England wasn't already that much better than the Jets, the Brown trade certainly gives them another leg up.

Last year, New York got swept by the Patriots, losing their Week 11 matchup in New England 27-14, and in an even more devastating fashion, lost their Week 17 MetLife Stadium tilt 42-10.

In fact, the Jets didn't win a single game against their AFC East rivals last year, going 0-6 against the Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins.

It's fair to say the AFC East is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. It may not be the NFC West, but the talent at the top is one of the best in the league.

The Patriots and Bills won a combined 26 games last season, led by two MVP-caliber quarterbacks in Maye and Josh Allen. Even the Dolphins last season, led by former head coach Mike McDaniel, gave the Jets fits.

If the Jets want to start turning things around, the first step they can take is closing the gap in their division, and that may be tough in 2026, but it's certainly something that is attainable.

New York acquired a lot of talent this offseason. It remains to be seen if that will turn into wins, but it should make them more competitive.

Picking up a divisional win or two at home would be a great step in the right direction, and the Dolphins will certainly help with that this year, but it's going to be tough to keep pace with the likes of the Bills and Patriots, especially after the Brown addition.

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