A.J. Brown: No Contact with Jalen Hurts Since Eagles Trade
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown confirmed Wednesday that he has had no communication with his former Philadelphia Eagles teammate, quarterback Jalen Hurts, since his trade to New England in March. The two players, once a dynamic duo on the Eagles’ offense, have remained silent towards each other following Brown’s departure from Philadelphia.
A Quiet Post-Trade Relationship
Brown, speaking to reporters following joint practices between the Patriots and Eagles in Foxborough, Massachusetts, offered a brief, one-word response when asked if he had spoken with Hurts since June: “No.” The receiver, who was traded to the Patriots for future draft picks after an inconsistent 2025 season for both himself and the Eagles, deflected further questions about his relationship with his former quarterback.
“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 stated, urging reporters to focus on more constructive topics. “So let’s not get into that. Let’s keep everything positive. It’s love my way.”
Hurts, for his part, echoed sentiments of affection for his former teammate. The Super Bowl LIX MVP described his feelings for Brown as “a lot of love for him and always have.”
Context of the Trade and Past Season
The trade concluded a period of speculation surrounding Brown’s future with the Eagles. After setting franchise records for single-season receiving yards—1,496 in 2022 and 1,456 in 2023—Brown’s tenure in Philadelphia ended following a wild-card playoff exit in January. General manager Howie Roseman indicated at the time that Brown had expressed a desire for a change of scenery.
Reports from earlier in the year suggested that some of Brown’s dissatisfaction stemmed from his role within the offense, particularly concerning how the team operated against zone coverage and a perceived lack of targets. His social media activity and public comments during the 2025 season also fueled speculation about his frustration.
Reuniting on the Field, Separately
Despite the personal silence between Brown and Hurts, the joint practices provided an opportunity for Brown to reconnect with other former Eagles teammates, including Saquon Barkley and Cooper DeJean. Brown was observed engaging in conversations with them during breaks and after the sessions concluded.
On the field, Brown participated in drills with his new team, catching all six targets thrown his way by Patriots’ third-year quarterback Drake Maye during 7-on-7 and team periods. While he was unable to secure a pass in a one-on-one rep against Pro Bowl cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, Brown expressed optimism about his developing chemistry with Maye.
“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 commented on his new quarterback.
Fondness for Philadelphia Remains
Brown was clear that his feelings for the city of Philadelphia and his time with the Eagles remain positive, even as his professional focus has shifted. He emphasized that his experience in Philadelphia, including winning a Super Bowl ring, has left a lasting impact.
“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 asserted. “That’s where my feet are and that’s what I’m focused on.”
Looking Ahead to the New Season
The Eagles are set to begin their regular season on September 13 at home against the Washington Commanders. The New England Patriots will kick off their 2026 campaign on September 9, traveling to face the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
