Romeo Doubs said he would be happy to line up alongside A.J. Brown if the Patriots make the trade that has been talked about all week, but there is still no confirmation New England is actually landing the Eagles receiver. The fifth-year pro made clear on Tuesday that he is ready for whatever role the offense asks of him, whether Brown arrives or not.

Doubs was signed by New England with the idea that he could fill the void left by Stefon Diggs, and that expectation has already framed how the Patriots view their receiver room. If Brown does not end up in Foxborough, Doubs would stand as the top target ahead of Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas and others. If Brown does arrive, Doubs says he is fine with that too.

"I was true to my word when I came here that there is no number one guy in this offense," Doubs said, adding that he is open to whatever helps the team. He said he has played in revolving roles before in Green Bay and is comfortable doing it again if needed. "So, whatever it is I have to do, whether it's playing into the strength more or playing on the backside every here and now, or even having (revolving roles), which I'm really familiar with because I've done it in Green Bay also. I'm open to all roles. That's just part of this league. You know, the more you can do, the more you can do for the team, the more you show for yourself, just things of that nature," he said.

Doubs also spoke respectfully about Brown, saying, "I have a ton of respect for him," and calling him a proven player who has been around the league for a long time. He noted Brown once played for Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, and said he understands why the rumors have gathered pace. "I mean, he's been a dude in this league for quite a long time. I understand that when he first got in the league, coach (Mike) Vrabel was his coach. So again, I understand there are a lot of rumors going around. If he's here, I'd love to have him here, and if he isn't here, I'm still going to wish him the best because he's one of the guys this week. Best in this league," Doubs said.

The interest around Brown has moved faster than any official confirmation, but the Patriots have not announced a post-June 1 trade from Philadelphia and there is still zero confirmation that one is coming. That matters because Doubs was brought in with the assumption that he would replace Diggs, and a Brown deal would immediately change the shape of the receiver depth chart and the expectations around his first season in New England.

Doubs gave the Patriots more than flexibility on Tuesday. He gave them a glimpse of how he plans to handle a roster that may still change around him, and a clear sign that he is prepared to keep his place whether Brown joins him or not.