Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown share hug, chat after Patriots-Eagles' second joint practice
After a promising start to the partnership, the A.J. Brown era with the Philadelphia Eagles ended with a faceplant. Following a rocky offensive performance - one that featured a handful of sideline outbursts by Brown - the wideout was shipped off to the New England Patriots for two draft picks.
But if Brown has any bad blood with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, he's not showing it. Following a joint practice between the Eagles and Patriots on Thursday, Brown embraced Hurts before engaging in a friendly conversation with his former quarterback.
AJ Brown goes up to Jalen Hurts after practice
- Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 20, 2026
The two hug and talk for a little pic.twitter.com/58UlUOFIhI
It was a notable development, especially after Brown told reporters Wednesday that he had not spoken to Hurts since the trade. Brown did add it's "love my way," when discussing Hurts. The quarterback echoed that sentiment, saying, "I've got a lot of love for him and always have" after Wednesday's joint practice.
The two were extremely close with the Eagles, with Hurts eventually becoming the godfather to Brown's daughter, per ESPN.
But it was tough to know where their relationship sat following Brown's trade. During the 2025 season, Brown engaged in a few sideline outbursts of frustration when the Eagles' offense didn't perform up to expectations. During those moments, it was difficult to know whether Brown was upset with coaches, the offense's general performance or his quarterback.
It would appear Brown's anger wasn't directed at Hurts in those moments, or at least not solely him. Either that or time has already cured all wounds.
In the end, the trade could end up being the best thing for both sides. Brown will be paired with Drake Maye in one of the more exciting offenses in the game and the Eagles drafted Makai Lemon to pair with DeVonta Smith and acquired a future first-round draft pick.
Presumably, both parties are happy where things ended up. Brown's and Hurts' friendly exchange Thursday appears to provide some evidence that's the case.