The Complex Eagles Tenure of A.J. Brown

by Marc Narducci | Jun 12, 2026

The drama is finally over, and A.J. Brown is a former Eagle. Quite frankly, there are plenty of fans who couldn’t wait to see him exit.

That said, the Eagles will miss Brown’s talent, but not his attitude.

With some of his comments and the lackluster way he played at times, especially in the 23-19 playoff loss last season to the San Francisco 49ers, one wonders if Brown cared more about his statistics than about winning.

While he always suggested that if he were catching numerous passes that it would help the Eagles win, but it’s hard not to think that winning wasn’t the highest priority.

Again, we’re not saying that was the case, but Brown’s comments and his actions certainly didn’t suggest that he cared more about winning than statistics.

Many of the things he said about the unimaginative offense were correct, but he too often threw quarterback Jalen Hurts under the bus. The constant strain of having to feed Brown the ball certainly took a toll on the Eagles coaching staff and on Hurts.

Now he is with New England and there is no doubt he will have a big year, motivated to show that the Eagles didn’t use him in the manner he wished.

Here are a couple of other factions of the trade in which the Eagles received a first-round draft choice in 2028 and a fifth-round pick in 2027.

How The Eagles Fared In the Deal

Brown, who turns 29 later this month, reportedly scared off the Los Angeles Rams due to potential knee injury. Brown addressed those reports and told the Patriots media “There is no injury, there is nothing to worry about.”

Even if he is in top health, Brown has had a lot of mileage.

So, for the Eagles to get a first-round pick was a good return at this point of Brown’s career. (Remember, the Eagles sent Tennessee a first and third round pick to acquire Brown in 2022. That was considered a bargain based on Brown’s four years of production).

The question that has to be asked is whether the Patriots overpaid for Brown, considering his age (29 isn’t considered young for a receiver) and the fact that there apparently weren’t any other bidders after the Rams reportedly dropped out.

Either way, it’s a decent return for the Eagles, especially since there was no way they could have brought Brown back and go through another year of commotion.

What The Eagles Will Miss In Brown

Here are Brown’s statistics in his four seasons with the Eagles

2022: 17 GP, 88 rec, 1,496 yards, 11 TDs

2023: 17 GP, 106 rec., 1,456 yards, 7 TDs

2024: 13 GP, 67 rec., 1,079 yards, 7 TDs

2025: 15 GP, 78 rec., 1,003 yards, 7 TDs

Playoffs

2022: 3 GP, 13 rec. 146 yards, 1 TD, - Super Bowl runner-up

2023: DNP due to injury – First round loss

2024: 4 GP, 12 rec., 163 yards, 2 TDs – Won Super Bowl

2025: 1 GP, 3 rec. 25 yards, 0 TDs – First round loss

Brown had memorable moments in both of the Eagles’ Super Bowls that he appeared in.

During the 38-35 loss to Kansas City, he had 6 receptions for 96 yards and a TD

In the 40-22 win over Kansas City, he 3 receptions for 43 yards and a TD.

So, Brown had some solid postseason performances, even though in eight playoff games with the Eagles, Brown never had 100 receiving yards. That probably irked him.

What Now For The Eagles?

The Eagles have plenty of pass catching candidates, led by DeVonta Smith, who will move up to the No. 1 receiver. Tight end Dallas Goedert should also receive more targets. First round pick Makai Lemon and second round tight end Eli Stowers are expected to be factors even as rookies. Can veterans Elijah Moore and Hollywood Brown be contributors? Another player or two can emerge.

The one thing is that the Eagles will miss Brown’s big-play ability, but not all of his shenanigans.

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Author: Marc Narducci

The Complex Eagles Tenure of A.J. Brown

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