A.J. Brown addresses new role with Patriots, working relationship with Drake Maye

The New England Patriots acquired A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month to have Brown serve as the No. 1 wide receiver for quarterback Drake Maye.

It turns out Brown's new teammates wanted him to be front and center during the team's final springtime practices. 

A.J. Brown already becoming a leader with Patriots?

As Karen Guregian of MassLive shared, Brown discussed on Thursday why he was recently spotted leading position drills for the wide receiver group.

"They just kept on asking," Brown explained. "[DeMario Douglas] was like: 'C’mon A.J. C’mon A.J.' And I’m like: 'Alright, man.' So I just welcomed it."

Brown's relationships with quarterback Jalen Hurts and other Eagles players sparked all kinds of discussions and stories from the start of the 2024 NFL season through this spring. It's assumed one reason Brown is now a Patriots player is that he and Hurts grew "apart." 

On Thursday, Brown was asked if he feels he's already becoming a leader with his new club. 

"You can say that," Brown responded. "You know, there’s still time, still time for me to do so. I’m just trying to be the best version of myself each and every day ... if I grow into that leadership role, then so be it. I’m just trying to be myself, and that’s all."

How Drake Maye has impressed A.J. Brown

Earlier in the week, Maye acknowledged that "it's hard not to get excited" about what Brown could offer the New England offense later this fall. On Thursday, Brown discussed how he has already been impressed by Maye. 

"The talent speaks for itself; he can make any throw, but I think what's more impressive to me is that he knows what he's doing," Brown said about his new QB1. "To be that young, and to understand the defense, and to understand every little check -- the hots, the blitz, all those things so fast -- is very impressive. So, I really admire that he knows what he's talking about, and he demands everyone else to know, as well. He's a true leader of men. It's crazy to see at a young age."

Brown added that he and Maye plan to get together for throwing sessions before the start of training camp on July 25.