A.J. Brown: Playing with 'best friend' Jalen Hurts will be 'real special'

Ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and general manager Jon Robinson both attempted to silence rumors suggesting that star wide receiver A.J. Brown could be traded this spring or summer. The situation changed, however, when Tennessee shipped Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles on the first night of the player-selection process. 

In Philadelphia, Brown will be tasked with catching passes thrown by quarterback Jalen Hurts, who received multiple public votes of confidence from noteworthy individuals such as Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, head coach Nick Sirianni, and general manager Howie Roseman before the draft. Brown made it clear while speaking with NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark (h/t Dave Zangaro) that he's hyped to play alongside his new starting signal-caller. 

"I kind of knew earlier that day," the one-time Pro Bowl selection said of the trade. "But I was excited. I get to play with my best friend and just great to be a part of this great organization." 

The 24-year-old was referencing Hurts in the final sentence of that portion of his comments. 

"Man, it’s going to be real special, man," Brown added about featuring in the Eagles offense with Hurts. "I’m so excited, playing with someone who thinks like me. I talk to him every day regardless of this football stuff. I’m so excited just to play with him. He’s a quarterback and I’m a receiver so we get on the same page quick." 

Brown reportedly agreed to a four-year, $100 million extension with the Eagles that includes $57 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Kimberley Martin (h/t Tim McManus). Such a financial commitment to the passing attack will have Hurts under the figurative microscope throughout his third pro season, especially if he underperforms early out of the gates this coming fall.