PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles have officially parted ways with star wide receiver A.J. Brown, completing a trade Monday that sends him to the New England Patriots in exchange for two draft selections.
The long-expected transaction brings to a close Brown’s four-year run with the Eagles, during which he established himself as potentially the franchise’s most talented receiver ever — though also one of its most challenging.
Brown’s relationship with the organization, particularly with Super Bowl MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts, deteriorated alongside his declining performance in 2025 as the team faced a June 1 deadline when his contract would become less burdensome on the salary cap. Philadelphia will save as much as $133 million in total cash.
The financial impact still carries some pain.
Philadelphia can now distribute $43.4 million in dead money across the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
The arrangement — including the 2028 first-round selection and 2027 fifth-round pick obtained from New England — appears beneficial in theory.
In practice, the Eagles will certainly feel Brown’s absence, as he recorded 339 receptions for 5,034 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns across four seasons with Philadelphia. Brown, who will celebrate his 29th birthday later this month, joined the team through a trade with the Tennessee Titans during the 2022 draft and signed a four-year, $100 million contract.
Brown posted 106 receptions for 1,456 receiving yards in 2023 following his 88-catch, 1,496-yard debut season with Philadelphia in 2022, earning him one of the franchise’s most lucrative deals.
He committed to a three-year extension in April 2024 featuring $84 million in guaranteed compensation.
Philadelphia captured the Super Bowl during the 2024 season — Brown was spotted reading a motivational self-help book on the sidelines during their playoff run — but the positive atmosphere didn’t persist much longer.
Brown served not only as Philadelphia’s primary wide receiver but also ranked among the franchise’s all-time great pass catchers. He surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his four Eagles seasons — including back-to-back campaigns exceeding 1,400 yards — and played a vital role on two Super Bowl teams.
“It is hard to find great players in the NFL and A.J.’s a great player,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said at the end of the season.
Brown expressed gratitude to the Eagles, staff and supporters through a social media message, stating, “Playing for this city has been an honor. And I’m thankful for every moment in midnight green.”
However, Brown grew frustrated last season as Philadelphia’s offense struggled, ultimately resulting in a coaching change at offensive coordinator.
Brown and Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni engaged in a heated sideline argument during their wild-card defeat to the 49ers, requiring chief security officer Dom DiSandro to step in. Brown angrily removed his helmet and continued shouting toward Sirianni.
Brown remained silent following that game, maintaining a pattern of avoiding media interviews throughout the season’s final weeks.
Brown had expressed displeasure about his statistical output — or lack thereof — last season and openly discussed his desire for an expanded role in the offensive scheme.
He frequently shared mysterious messages on social media, including a September update that read: “If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.”
Brown is now headed to New England, where he’ll reconnect with head coach Mike Vrabel, who previously coached him in Tennessee.
Philadelphia foreshadowed Brown’s departure during April’s draft by selecting Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon in the first round. Lemon earned the Biletnikoff Award as college football’s premier receiver after hauling in 79 passes for 1,156 yards — leading all Power Four conferences — and 11 touchdowns for the Trojans.
Philadelphia had previously acquired receivers Dontayvion Wicks, “Hollywood” Brown and Elijah Moore to potentially complement top receiver DeVonta Smith.
Brown never had the opportunity to meet his new teammates in the locker room after missing last week’s voluntary organized team activities.
“For us, we’re focused on learning the offense,” Hurts said last week. “It really doesn’t change in terms of our approach to improve.”
Hurts and Brown reportedly experienced relationship issues in 2024 when Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham mentioned that “things have changed” in their connection. Both players minimized any conflict, but speculation about their partnership continued through last week’s organized team activities.
Selected 51st overall from Mississippi in 2019, Brown had been Tennessee’s most successful receiver draft pick since the franchise relocated to Tennessee in 1997. He earned Pro Bowl recognition in 2020 and accumulated 185 career receptions for 2,995 yards and 24 touchdowns before Philadelphia acquired him for a first-round pick in the 2022 draft.
Brown seeks the satisfaction, production and financial success in New England that eluded him at his previous two destinations.
“It’s going to be a hard time for me to say anything bad about A.J. Brown,” Eagles running back Saquon Barkley said at OTAs. “I’m a big fan of A.J. Brown, one of my really good friends, one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever been around, just respect him as a man. But this is the business.”
