Barring what would be a shocking development, the Philadelphia Eagles will trade wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots via a deal that could become official as soon as this coming Monday.
During a Friday appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” program, former NFL wide receiver and current analyst Steve Smith Sr. hit back at those who have suggested that the Eagles’ trading Brown will be an addition-by-subtraction move.
Are some being disrespectful with their A.J. Brown takes?
“I think that is so disrespectful to say that they’re better off without him,” Smith said regarding certain opinions about the Eagles trading Brown, per NJ Advance Media. “You know, the acquisition, why he was brought in. He was brought in to elevate the room.”
Brown helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LIX in February 2025. ESPN stats show he then led the team last season with 78 receptions and was second with 1,003 receiving yards.
That said, concerns about Brown’s working relationship with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts have hovered over the club from the fall of 2024 through this spring. After Brown committed multiple drops and was involved in a heated exchange with head coach Nick Sirianni during Philadelphia’s wild-card playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers this past January, Eagles legend Jason Kelce mentioned that Brown has been “a player who allows his internal frustrations to manifest into his play.”
Steve Smith Sr.: A.J. Brown is not a “problem child”
Brown routinely made it known over the past couple of seasons that he was frustrated with his role in an Eagles offense that often left much to be desired with its performances. Nevertheless, Smith seems convinced that certain outsiders have been unfair with their Brown takes.
“Some people may not like the way he has aired their dirty laundry, but don’t make it seem like he’s a headache and he’s a problem child. Because he’s not,” Smith added about Brown.
New England’s Mike Vrabel was Brown’s head coach when the two were with the Tennessee Titans
from 2019 through the 2021 season. Vrabel seemingly believes that Brown won’t be a “problem child” with New England, as the Patriots are expected to give up at least a first-round draft pick to land the 28-year-old at some point in June.
