A.J. Brown Catches 6 Passes Against Eagles in First Practice Since Trade

A.J. Brown hauled in six targets from Drake Maye during joint practices in Foxborough, marking his first action against the Eagles since his June trade.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown caught all six of his targets during 7-on-7 and team drills on Wednesday, facing the Philadelphia Eagles for the first time since his trade in early June. One highlight featured Brown hauling in a deep pass down the right sideline from third-year quarterback Drake Maye while under tight coverage from Riq Woolen. The only incompletion involving Brown during the session occurred during one-on-one drills in a matchup against Quinyon Mitchell.

Brown returns to the field following a 2025 season where he recorded 1,003 receiving yards, his lowest total in four years with Philadelphia. This followed a record-breaking stretch where he set the two highest single-season receiving yard totals in Eagles franchise history, posting 1,496 yards in 2022 and 1,456 yards in 2023. Despite these statistics and a Super Bowl title win during the 2024 season, Brown requested a change of scenery from general manager Howie Roseman due to frustrations regarding his role in the offense, specifically involving targets against zone coverage.

Joint Practice Interactions in Foxborough

During the two-day joint practice session, Brown arrived at the visitors' field while the Eagles were warming up but proceeded directly to the Patriots' upper field without stopping for initial greetings. However, he later spent downtime and post-practice minutes catching up with former teammates, including running back Saquon Barkley and defensive back Cooper DeJean. While Brown and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts have not spoken since the trade, both players expressed mutual respect during media availability.

"It's love my way," Brown stated when asked about his relationship with Hurts. He emphasized that he is focused on his current position in New England, noting that he is "not going backwards" despite his history with the Philadelphia organization. Hurts echoed these sentiments, stating he has always had a lot of love for the receiver.

Developing Rapport with Drake Maye

Brown spoke specifically about his growing connection with Drake Maye, describing the transition as having some challenges but noting that the quarterback is "very special." Brown indicated that Maye makes his job easier as they learn to see the game through the same lens. When asked if he had advice for Maye on how to utilize Brown, Hurts declined to offer suggestions, citing Maye's existing success and rapid progression in his short career.

Sources indicated that part of the friction leading to the A.J. Brown trade involved the receiver's public expressions of unhappiness on social media and in interviews during the previous season. Brown clarified on Wednesday that the practice did not provide a sense of "closure" because his affinity for the city remains unchanged. "I won a Super Bowl ring with them," Brown said. "I love Philly and I will always love Philly but I'm here now."

Statistical Legacy and Future Outlook

As the Patriots continue their preseason preparations, Brown’s focus remains on the 2026 campaign. His departure from Philadelphia followed a year where he felt underutilized, yet he remains the franchise record holder for receiving yards in a single season. The joint session in Foxborough served as the first competitive environment for Brown to test his chemistry with Maye against a defense he once anchored.

While the two teams shared the field at 02:51 PM ET on Wednesday, the focus remained on the professional transition of the veteran receiver. Brown reiterated that the negative narratives surrounding his departure do not matter to him, choosing instead to highlight the positive aspects of his tenure, including the championship ring earned during the 2024 season.