Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Confirms Rift With A.J. Brown

Philadelphia traded A.J. Brown to the Patriots for future draft picks following an uneven 2025 season that left Jalen Hurts and the offense struggling. Signs pointed early to a friendship that had once been close between the franchise quarterback and star receiver, but things changed fast. More than two months have passed since Brown moved to New England, yet questions about their relationship still linger in the air.

During recent joint practices with the Eagles, Brown gave reporters just one word when asked if he'd spoken with Hurts since the trade. No. That was his answer. Hurts avoided discussing the situation for a long time, but this week took a different path during a sit-down interview with GQ. There is no surprise that it was talked about, Hurts told the magazine when asked if they had remained close. He acknowledged the shift clearly.

In June, Brown said nothing single incident sparked the rift between the two former teammates. Nothing happened, people just grow apart, he explained on the 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony podcast. Nothing like that ever happened between us or our families or wives, anything, he added at the time during an appearance there. Life happens and you just look up sometimes and find yourself drifting away, and that is fine. And I think both parties accepted that was true.

Brown and Hurts were seen catching up together during the second of two Patriots-Eagles joint practices in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Honestly guys none of that stuff even matters man, Brown said last month when reporters pressed him with follow-up questions about his relationship with Hurts. You all should want to report something positive, he continued. You know asking the question is going to turn negative. So let's not get into that. Let's keep everything positive. It's love my way.

Hurts offered a similarly warm assessment of Brown while sitting down with GQ. I've got a lot of love for him and always have, Hurts said. Brown owns two highest single-season receiving yardage totals in Eagles history: 1,496 yards in 2022 and 1,456 in 2023. The Eagles won the franchise's second Vince Lombardi Trophy the following season despite some drama involving Brown.

Philadelphia was eliminated in the wild-card round this past January after 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 he was not being targeted enough when facing zone coverage. Brown also made several social media comments during the 2025 season that appeared to reflect frustration with his role in the offense.

Brown expressed gratitude for his time in the City of Brotherly Love but said he turned his attention to a new season with a new team. It's love, I won a Super Bowl ring with them, Brown said regarding Philadelphia. It will always be love no matter how anyone feels. I love Philly and I will always love Philly but I'm here now. That's where my feet are and that's what I'm focused on.

Long before they became Eagles teammates, Hurts hosted Brown on a recruiting visit to Alabama. Their friendship deepened through offseason workouts until Hurts eventually became godfather to Brown's daughter Jersee. The Patriots will visit reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on Sept 9 for their 2026 season opener while the Eagles open the regular season Sept 13 at home against the Washington Commanders.