Over the past year or so, it's been evident that Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver AJ Brown hasn't loved his role with the team. The Eagles are a run-first offense, but Jalen Hurts has the ability to make all the throws he needs to. As a result, Brown has still put up some decent numbers and won a Super Bowl a season ago. During the 2024 campaign, he finished with 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns.
However, in the two seasons prior to that, the first two of his time in Philadelphia, he had at least 1,400 yards.
It's a tough situation for a WR1 to be in, but it's also something that Brown has to figure out. He can't be pouting on the sideline, saying things to the media, or making strange posts on social media.
He needs to be locked in each and every down to give the Eagles the best chance to win, and when speaking to The Athletic’s Brooks Kubena about the situation, it sounds like he's more locked in than anyone on the roster.
“I know everybody’s counting on me — that’s my thrill,” Brown told The Athletic. “And then I come through. That makes me proud of myself. And I’m doing it over and over again. And then I got another opportunity a couple of plays later. Third down. Everybody knows the ball’s coming to me. I love that feeling. Like, it’s a rush. I don’t do drugs, but that has to be what drugs feels like. And I’m getting that dopamine. And I’m coming through for my team again.
“And that’s where the excitement comes from. And that’s why it’s frustrating at times. And maybe people really misunderstand me as a player, but those feelings — that’s what I want. You may see a little frustration. It’s because I really want to contribute. I really want to help this team win. But if I’m not getting the ball, obviously, it’s not as fun."
Brown simply stated that he wants to contribute at the highest level, no matter what it takes for him to do so.
It's also fair to note that every WR1 in the NFL wants the football as much as Brown does, as they understand that they contribute to winning at the highest level.
It isn't a bad thing that he's frustrated about that, but he has to allow himself some time before getting frustrated and go from there.