A.J. Brown and the Philadelphia Eagles appear to be on the outs, and there is a painful truth that Brown must admit.
All indications are that the Philadelphia Eagles will trade A.J. Brown next month, and the New England Patriots appear to be the most likely suitors.
The Eagles swung a trade for Dontayvion Wicks earlier this offseason and then selected Makai Lemon in the NFL Draft, a clear indication that Philadelphia is moving on from the disgruntled Brown.
How did things get to this point, especially just two seasons removed from a Super Bowl victory?
There is plenty of blame to go around.
Jalen Hurts has been criticized for his leadership under center, and rightfully so. His performance has been at the center of attention, as well, and there is merit to that, too.
Former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo was blasted for his play-calling last season, and head coach Nick Sirianni was judged just as harshly for not parting ways with him sooner.
Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown. Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images.Then, there's Brown, who incessantly complained about his role throughout the season, appeared to give half-hearted efforts on certain routes and dropped four passes during Philadelphia's Wild Card Round playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Once beloved by Philly fans, Brown was booed in that game, which was almost surely his final moments as an Eagle.
But for as much responsibility as Hurts and Sirianni shoulder for things unraveling with Brown, let's be honest: the star wide receiver was also a problem.
Was Brown divisive enough to cause a rift in the locker room? It doesn't seem like it, but he didn't exactly do the team any favors by griping through the media, on social media and even on video game live streams.
The three-time Pro Bowler can say he wants to remain in Philadelphia all he wants, but his actions — nor his effort — throughout certainly didn't show it.
Brown will be remembered fondly for his role in the Eagles' February 2025 triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs, but there is no question that some of those memories are fading because of the way he handled his last season with the club.
We see this quite often from wide receivers, so Brown is definitely no exception. But the Patriots — or whichever team eventually acquires him — should brace themselves for a similar story.
Eagles Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Eagles. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.