A.J. Brown experienced a reunion of sorts this week when his new team, the New England Patriots, hosted his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, for joint practices during training camp.
After an uneven 2025 season for both Brown and the Eagles' offense, Philadelphia traded him to the Patriots for a pair of future draft picks amid signs that his once-close friendship and productive on-field partnership with quarterback Jalen Hurts had deteriorated.
While more than two months have passed since Brown's move to New England, questions about his relationship with the Eagles quarterback resurfaced Wednesday. Following the latest Eagles-Patriots joint practice, Brown confirmed that he has not spoken with Hurts since changing teams.
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"No," Brown said in a one-word response when asked whether he had a conversation with Hurts since June. He otherwise kept his comments about his former Eagles teammates upbeat.
"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 when reporters pressed him with follow-up questions about his relationship with Hurts. "So let's not get into that. Let's keep everything positive. It's love my way."
Meanwhile, Hurts offered a similarly warm assessment of Brown. "I've got a lot of love for him and always have," the Super Bowl LIX MVP said.
Brown did note that he could eventually reconnect with Hurts at some point during the joint practices in Foxborough.
Brown set the two highest single-season receiving yardage marks in Eagles history, with 1,496 yards in 2022 and 1,456 in 2023. Philadelphia was eliminated in the wild-card round in January, losing at home to the San Francisco 49ers. Brown then told the Eagles' front office he wanted a change of scenery, general manager Howie Roseman said at the time. Sources told ESPN that part of Brown's frustration centered on Hurts and a belief that he was not being targeted enough when he faced zone coverage.
Brown also made several social media comments and comments during media sessions during the 2025 season that appeared to reflect frustration with his role in the offense.
During breaks in practice and after the session ended, Brown was seen chatting with former teammates Saquon Barkley and Cooper DeJean.
Brown caught all six of his targets from third-year quarterback Drake Maye during 7-on-7 and team drills. He was unable to come down with a pass during a one-on-one rep against All-Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.
Brown said that while his chemistry with Maye is still developing, he has already seen what makes the young quarterback special.
"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 said.
Brown also made clear he did not view Wednesday’s moment with the Eagles as a sign of closure, saying his affection for Philadelphia remains even as his focus has shifted to New England.
"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," said Brown. "That's where my feet are and that's what I'm focused on."
The Eagles open the regular season Sept. 13 at home against the Washington Commanders. The Patriots, meanwhile, visit the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 9 to open their 2026 season.
