The rumored blockbuster trade between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles for star wide receiver A.J. Brown may not be as close as many believed.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are currently unwilling to part with a first-round pick in negotiations for Brown. Rapoport noted the two sides are “not particularly close,” adding that there’s a legitimate chance talks could continue dragging on into the foreseeable future.

For weeks, many around the NFL assumed Brown-to-New England was nearly inevitable once the calendar flipped past June 1 due to salary cap implications. However, the Patriots appear hesitant to meet the Eagles’ steep asking price despite Brown’s elite production and connection to former Titans coach Mike Vrabel.

At this point, the biggest question may be simple: Are the Patriots truly all-in on landing Brown, or are they starting to back pedal as the price tag becomes more real?