A.J. Brown details how relationship with Jalen Hurts will help Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles made a massive trade during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, acquiring wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Tennessee Titans, and quickly signed him to a four-year contract extension. The deal will bring Brown and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts together, as the two have been close friends throughout their careers.

In his introductory press conference, Brown discussed his relationship with Hurts, and he explained the origin of their relationship with each other.

“It started, he was recruiting me to Alabama and I chose Ole Miss,” Brown said. “But we stayed in contact this entire time. We became really close friends. I’m extremely excited to play with him. We always joked about it, but we never thought it would be reality.”

The Eagles sent the No. 18 overall pick to the Titans along with the No. 101 overall pick in the third round in exchange for Brown. Brown is a two-time 1,000-yard receiver in his NFL career. He had 63 receptions for 869 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games last season.

Brown thinks his relationship with Hurts will benefit the Eagles

Entering the offseason, wide receiver was a major area in need of an upgrade in Philadelphia. The Eagles used a first round pick last offseason on wide receiver DeVonta Smith, and he had a good rookie season with 64 receptions, 916 yards and five touchdowns. Quez Watkins was the team’s second-most productive wide receiver, and he had 43 receptions for 647 yards and one touchdown.

No other receiver had more than 33 receptions or 300 receiving yards last year for the Eagles. Now, Brown will add a needed spark to the Eagles offense. He believes that his impact will be felt more than just on the field, as his relationship with Hurts will be beneficial for the chemistry of the offense.

“So just being honest, I think we talk all the time and just trying to be on the same page all the time, it’s huge for the offense, huge for a team,” said Brown. “We already have that friendship, so we can hold each other accountable. We know what makes each other tick. So just getting everybody on board and one that same level, it’s different.”

The Eagles stuck with Hurts this offseason after rumors of the team being interested in moving on. Now, they give Hurts a close friend and talented wideout in Brown. Brown is high on Hurts simply as a person, and he’s excited to now be on the same team as his close friend.

“I’m not sure, I think when you run into good people, I think you just try to stay close to them,” Brown said. “He was one person that I considered a really, really good friend who always looked out for me. And here we are.”