Following an inconsistent 2025 season for Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and the Philadelphia Eagles' offense, the team made a significant move by trading Brown to the New England Patriots in exchange for future draft selections. This blockbuster transaction occurred amidst increasing speculation that the strong bond between the franchise quarterback and his star pass-catcher had diminished.
More than two months have passed since Brown relocated to New England, yet inquiries about his connection with Hurts continue to surface. During recent joint practices between the Patriots and Eagles, Brown offered a concise response when asked if he had communicated with Hurts since the trade.
"No," Brown informed reporters.
While Hurts had largely sidestepped discussions regarding his relationship with Brown, he adopted a different approach this week during an interview with GQ. "There's no surprise that it was talked about," Hurts told the publication when questioned about whether he and Brown had maintained their closeness, recognizing the alteration in their dynamic.
Hurts, who earned MVP honors in Super Bowl LIX, subsequently affirmed Brown's previous comments by stating, "I mean, clearly."
The Nature of Their Shifting Bond
In June, Brown had explained that no specific incident caused the division between the two former Eagles teammates.
"Nothing happened, people just grow apart. Nothing happened between me and him, or our families, wives, anything. Nothing like that ever happened," Brown elaborated during an appearance on the podcast "7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony."
"Life happens, and you just look up sometimes and you just, you find yourself drifting away, and that's fine. And I think both parties accepted that."
Despite the public comments, Brown and Hurts were observed interacting cordially during the second of two joint practices involving the Patriots and Eagles in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Last month, Brown had expressed a desire for more positive media coverage when reporters pressed him on the topic. "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," Brown said. "So let's not get into that. Let's keep everything positive. It's love my way."
Hurts, for his part, offered a similarly warm sentiment about Brown. "I've got a lot of love for him and always have," Hurts commented.
On-Field Performance and Trade Details
Brown holds the record for the two highest single-season receiving yardage totals in Eagles history, achieving 1,496 yards in 2022 and 1,456 in 2023. The Eagles secured the franchise’s second Vince Lombardi Trophy in the 2024 season, the year following Brown's 2023 performance, despite some internal challenges involving the wide receiver.
Philadelphia's 2025 season concluded with an elimination in the wild-card round this past January, at home against the San Francisco 49ers. Following this, Brown communicated to the Eagles' front office his desire for a change of scenery, as confirmed at the time by general manager Howie Roseman. Reports indicated that a component of Brown's dissatisfaction stemmed from Hurts and a perception that he was not being targeted sufficiently when facing zone coverage.
During the 2025 season, Brown also made several remarks on social media and during media availability that suggested discontent with his role within the team's offensive scheme.
Looking Ahead to a New Chapter
While Brown conveyed appreciation for his tenure in Philadelphia, he affirmed his focus had shifted entirely to the upcoming season with his new team.
"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," Brown stated. "That's where my feet are and that's what I'm focused on."
Before becoming teammates with the Eagles, Hurts had hosted Brown on a recruiting visit to the University of Alabama. Their bond strengthened through joint offseason workouts, and Hurts later became the godfather to Brown’s daughter, Jersee.
The Eagles are scheduled to begin their regular season on September 13 at home against the Washington Commanders. Meanwhile, the Patriots will commence their 2026 season on September 9 with an away game against the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
