Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel's relationship with wide receiver A.J.

Jalen Hurts spoke for the first time since A.J. Brown was traded from the Eagles, and he's put the past behind him.

AJ Brown’s final visit to the Philadelphia Eagles facility came with a goodbye message that sounded exactly like the star receiver who spent years calling for the ball. The trade to the New England Patriots had already turned one of the NFL’s biggest names into the offseason’s biggest shock.

The fallout of the Philadelphia Eagles and A.J. Brown split continues to settle. While Brown had a very successful four-year stint with the Eagles—one that included a Super Bowl ring—it also ended with a strained relationship that was evident during a disappointing 2025 campaign.

Patriots All-Pro safety Kevin Byard commented on the initial connection between Drake Maye and A.J. Brown.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and head coach Mike Vrabel have been impressed with wide receiver A.J. Brown during mandatory minicamp after he was recently acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.

With A.J. Brown now in New England, one NFL analyst believes DeVonta Smith is poised for an All-Pro-caliber season.