Eagles' A.J. Brown reveals how contract changed Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver A.J. Brown insists money won't change or distract quarterback Jalen Hurts. 

"He’s a great guy, as y’all know," Brown said of Hurts during a news conference, as shared by Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "He’s still that hard worker. He’s still determined to be great. So, it definitely didn’t change him. It definitely just motivated him, if anything. So, that’s what you want." 

Brown originally joined the Eagles via a trade from the Tennessee Titans during the 2022 NFL Draft and later noted playing alongside his "best friend" would "be real special." Those words proved prophetic, as ESPN stats show Brown ended this past regular season fourth among all players with 1,496 receiving yards and tied for third with 11 touchdown grabs. Meanwhile, Hurts finished second in Most Valuable Player voting, and the Eagles claimed the NFC title before they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII. 

In April, Hurts put pen to paper on a five-year extension reportedly worth up to $255M with $179.3M guaranteed roughly 13 months or so after the Eagles possibly considered replacing him with Deshaun Watson. Brown made it known he's thrilled he helped his buddy cash in with their employer. 

"Just to be sitting beside him is a blessing," Brown added about Hurts. "Just talking to him about it, working with him on the side, and last season actually helping him achieve some of his goals — from a friend standpoint, it’s everything you can imagine. I’m so ecstatic for him. He deserves it. And I’m just excited for what the future holds for him." 

NBC Sports' Peter King wrote earlier this month he believes the Eagles have no "weakness," and Sports Illustrated's Greg Bishop thinks Philadelphia fans can already "book" their Super Bowl parade plans for February 2024. It's highly possible that Hurts's near future may involve him hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy the next time it's awarded.