Jason Kelce breaks silence about Eagles trading A.J. Brown to Patriots

Philadelphia Eagles legend and current ESPN personality Jason Kelce shared a locker room with wide receiver A.J. Brown during the 2022 and 2023 NFL seasons. Kelce also previously spoke openly about how Brown handled himself during what became his final campaign with the Eagles. 

During the latest edition of the "New Heights" podcast, Kelce addressed his former team trading Brown to the New England Patriots earlier this week. 

Jason Kelce: Eagles trading A.J. Brown to Patriots "was in everyone's best interest"

"At the end of the day, it was not a surprise," Kelce said about the trade, per Andrew Gould of NESN. "I think A.J., very clearly, made it known that he's been frustrated the last few years. From everything coming out, it sounds like he wanted and was excited to move on, and I think it was in everyone's best interest." 

Brown venting his frustrations about a perceived lack of targets and his role in the Philadelphia offense became a routine part of Eagles seasons over the past couple of years. Back in February, Kelce acknowledged that Brown could be "frustrating to watch" at times. 

That said, Kelce later warned that he believed "the Eagles and fans will end up regretting it majorly" if the club traded Brown. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman disagreed with Kelce, as Roseman accepted a 2028 first-round draft pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in return for the wantaway 28-year-old. 

Interestingly, Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata raised eyebrows when he said shortly after the trade became official that he was glad the Brown-related saga was "over." 

Jason Kelce believes A.J. Brown will succeed with Patriots

Concerns about a degenerative knee condition reportedly caused at least the Los Angeles Rams to end their talks with the Eagles regarding a trade for Brown earlier in the offseason. Kelce seemingly isn't concerned about how Brown will play during his first season with New England. 

"Here's the reality," Kelce continued during the show segment. "A.J. Brown was not the reason the Eagles' offense was not successful last year. He's a very good football player. I don't want to hear all this, 'Has he lost a step?' We're gonna find out this year. I think he's gonna have a really good year."