A recent training camp brought wide receiver A.J. Brown face-to-face with his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, as his new squad, the New England Patriots, hosted joint practices this week.
Brown's departure from Philadelphia followed what was described as an inconsistent 2025 season for both the player and the Eagles' offensive unit. He was traded to the Patriots for future draft selections amidst reports of a deteriorating friendship and on-field chemistry with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Relationship Status: Unchanged
More than two months have passed since Brown's move to New England, yet questions regarding his rapport with the Eagles' signal-caller resurfaced on Wednesday. Following the latest joint practice session between the Eagles and Patriots, Brown confirmed he has not engaged in any dialogue with Hurts since joining his new team.
"No," Brown stated in a concise response when asked if he had spoken with Hurts since June. He largely maintained an optimistic tone when discussing his former Eagles teammates.
When reporters pressed him with further inquiries about his relationship with Hurts, Brown urged a shift in focus.
"Honestly guys, none of that stuff even matters, man. You all should want to report something positive. You know asking the question is going to turn negative. So let's not get into that. Let's keep everything positive. It's love my way."
In parallel, Hurts offered a similarly positive assessment of Brown. "I've got a lot of love for him and always have," remarked the Super Bowl LIX MVP.
Brown did mention the possibility of reconnecting with Hurts at some point during the ongoing joint practices in Foxborough.
Reflecting on Philadelphia and New Beginnings
During his tenure with the Eagles, Brown established franchise records for single-season receiving yardage, achieving 1,496 yards in 2022 and 1,456 yards in 2023. Philadelphia's 2025 season concluded with a wild-card round elimination in January, a home loss to the San Francisco 49ers. At that time, General Manager Howie Roseman confirmed that Brown had informed the Eagles' front office of his desire for a fresh start. Sources indicated that a contributing factor to Brown's dissatisfaction was reportedly centered on Hurts and a perception that he was not adequately targeted, particularly against zone coverage.
Throughout the 2025 season, Brown also made several comments on social media and during media availability that appeared to signal frustration with his role within the offense.
During breaks and after the practice sessions concluded, Brown was observed conversing with former teammates, including Saquon Barkley and Cooper DeJean.
On the field during Patriots practice, Brown successfully caught all six of his targets from third-year quarterback Drake Maye in 7-on-7 and team drills. However, he was unable to secure a pass during a one-on-one matchup against All-Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.
Brown acknowledged that his chemistry with Maye is still developing but expressed appreciation for the young quarterback's abilities.
"There's definitely been some challenges, but he's very special, and he makes my job a lot easier. Just learning how he sees the game and getting on the same page," Brown explained.
Brown also clarified that he did not view Wednesday's encounter with the Eagles as a definitive closure, asserting that his affection for Philadelphia endures even as his professional focus has shifted to New England.
"It's love. I won a Super Bowl ring with them. It will always be love no matter how anyone feels. I love Philly and I will always love Philly but I'm here now. That's where my feet are and that's what I'm focused on."
The Eagles are set to commence their regular season on September 13 at home against the Washington Commanders. Meanwhile, the Patriots will begin their 2026 season on September 9 with an away game against the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
