After months of speculation, the Philadelphia Eagles finally traded wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots last week. The long-rumored move ended a tenure of reported friction between Brown and the team.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Brown returned to the Eagles’ facility later in the week to retrieve the rest of his belongings while leaving a bold farewell message.
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“The best to ever play here,” Brown reportedly wrote on a photo of himself on the Eagles’ wall. “Always open.”
Brown may have only played in Philadelphia for four seasons, but he made his mark on the franchise record books. He’s the team’s all-time leader in receiving yards per game among qualified receivers.
He also ranks ninth in Eagles history with 5,034 receiving yards and is tied for 12th with 32 receiving touchdowns. It’s ultimately a matter of opinion, but Brown has a solid case as one of the best receivers in team history.
2025 saw his production dip as he was targeted less, possibly contributing to a divide between Brown and QB Jalen Hurts.
After a rocky ending in Philadelphia, he’ll now look to establish himself on the Patriots.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
