A.J. Brown didn’t speak with Jalen Hurts or DeVonta Smith during Eagles-Patriots practice

On August 19, 2026, during a joint practice at Gillette Stadium, New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown did not engage in conversation with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts or former Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Brown appeared to mostly avoid interacting with his former teammates, taking the field after a brief interaction with Patriots tight end Big Dom.

Some speculated that Brown was focused on his new role with the Patriots, while others suggested he was intentionally avoiding pleasantries. When asked directly if he had spoken with Hurts since being traded, Brown responded with a simple "No." He also acknowledged that any answer to the question of whether he plans to talk to Hurts during the Eagles' visit to New England would likely be negative.

DeVonta Smith was similarly direct when asked about Brown's absence, stating "Nah" when asked if they spoke during the practice. The relationship between Brown and his former Eagles teammates was marked by mutual affection but now appears to be a thing of the past as both players aim to establish themselves as the stars of their respective teams.