Full Breakdown
A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts Remain Silent After Trade
8/20/2026, 12:24:41 AM
Core Event: No Contact Since Trade
During a joint practice between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots, wide receiver A.J. Brown confirmed he has not spoken with former quarterback Jalen Hurts since the trade that sent him to New England. Both players reiterated the lack of communication when fielded by reporters after the session.
Background & Context
Brown spent four seasons (2022-2025) with the Eagles, forming a prolific quarterback-receiver tandem that helped the team reach two Super Bowls and win one. He posted 1,496 receiving yards in 2022 and 1,456 the following season, ranking among the league’s top receivers. In June 1, the Eagles traded Brown to the Patriots for two draft picks, including a 2028 first-rounder, amid reports that his relationship with Hurts had grown “frosty.” The trade marked the end of a partnership that had once featured Hurts as the godfather to Brown’s daughter.
Timeline
- June 1 (occurred) – Eagles trade A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots.
- Joint practice in Foxborough – The two clubs meet for a combined session ahead of their preseason matchup; Brown and Hurts are asked about post-trade communication.
Data & Statistics
- Brown’s career totals with Philadelphia include back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons (1,496 in 2022, 1,456 in 2023).
- In the joint practice, Brown was targeted seven times and caught all seven passes, according to Henry McKenna of Fox Sports.
- Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was praised by Brown for “arm talent” and the ability to place the ball “anywhere.”
Official Statements & Responses
A.J. Brown emphasized that his focus is on his new team. He added that he will speak with Hurts only if their paths cross during the week.
Jalen Hurts echoed the lack of contact, stating he “didn’t get to yet” speak with Brown. He also expressed “a lot of love” for the receiver despite being on opposing sides.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel noted Brown’s “overall maturity” and his willingness to be coached hard, highlighting the receiver’s growth since leaving Philadelphia.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All quoted parties agree that no conversation has occurred since the trade. No source provided a reason for the silence, nor did either player indicate that an attempted outreach was rejected. Consequently, the precise cause of the communication gap remains unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No, I didn't get to yet,” — Jalen Hurts (q1)
- “He’s very special. He has a lot of arm talent,” — A.J. Brown (q5)
- “You know asking the question, it’s going to turn negative so let’s not get into that,” — A.J. Brown (q7)
- “It’s not about no closure or anything, man,” — A.J. Brown (q10)
- “I've got a lot of love for him,” — Jalen Hurts (q12)
What’s Next
The Eagles and Patriots will hold a second joint practice before their preseason game on Saturday. Both teams will evaluate player performance during the sessions, and the matchup will be the first opportunity for Brown and Hurts to face each other on the field since the trade.
