Brown Opens Up on Drifting from Hurts as Patriots Trade Closes Philadelphia Chapter
Wide receiver A.J. Brown has acknowledged that his relationship with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had grown distant in the period leading up to his trade to the New England Patriots, while stressing that no specific falling-out occurred between the two. Brown, 28, addressed the subject during an appearance on the podcast "7PM in Brooklyn," saying the drift was gradual and mutual. "Nothing happened. People just grow apart," he said.
Brown described the dynamic as a natural estrangement rather than a rupture. "Not as close as we once were," he said, adding that affection for his former quarterback remains intact. "There's no bad blood. There's actually still a lot of love - I love him to death. I want him to succeed and accomplish all the things that he wants to accomplish." He also pushed back on the public preoccupation with their bond, noting that the two had not been especially close for some time yet continued to perform at a high level together. "We still competed, we still pushed each other, we still led the team," Brown said. The subject drew additional attention after Hurts did not attend Brown's wedding in May.
Brown spent four seasons in Philadelphia after arriving from the Tennessee Titans in 2022. Over that span he recorded 339 receptions for 5,034 yards and 32 touchdowns, earning three Pro Bowl selections. He and Hurts were central figures in the Eagles' Super Bowl-winning campaign two seasons ago. The Eagles received a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round selection from New England in the deal. The trade was structured to close after June 1, a timing decision that reduced Philadelphia's dead-money salary-cap charge from approximately $43.4 million to approximately $16.3 million under NFL rules.
Brown arrives in New England as one of the most productive receivers of his generation, giving the Patriots a proven target as the franchise continues to rebuild. He closed his public comments on the subject without rancor. "Nothing but love for him," Brown said of Hurts. "I want him to do well and accomplish everything his heart desires."
