A.J. Brown Calls Patriots Move ‘Heaven’ And Teammates Are Glad The Saga Is Over

A.J. Brown did not hide how he felt about leaving Philadelphia. Speaking after his trade to the New England Patriots became official, Brown said, “Obviously, I know this ain’t heaven. But it’s close to it.”

Brown took part in his first practice on Tuesday and said it felt like a dream to be with the team to be with the Pats.

“I was just talking to my mom and saying, ‘I’m still in awe.'” Brown said to ESPN. “Walking up the hill with the uniform, I was like, ‘Man, this is real.’ I caught myself at one point in practice, I wasn’t paying attention because I was like, ‘dang.’ Just trying to take it all in as much as I can.”

The Eagle Has Landed

Questions were raised about how his time at the Eagles ended after four seasons that included an NFL championship last year.

“I won’t get into details about it, but I’m excited for the opportunity. I’m here now,” he said. “None of that stuff matters. What’s done is done. I’m here. Moving forward.”

He added that he wants to create his own legacy in New England and refused Julian Edelman’s offer to wear his No.11 shirt. Instead, he will wear No.1.

“Julian Edelman gave me his grace to wear No. 11, but I got so much respect and love for him. I’m going to let that be and create my own legacy here,” he said. “It’s just getting back to my roots. I was No. 1 all the way until I got up to the league.”

Mixed Reactions From Former Teammates

Back in Philadelphia, Brown’s former teammates expressed a mix of support and relief at Brown’s departure.

Left tackle Jordan Mailata was blunt about the constant rumors surrounding the receiver’s status. “It sounds terrible—but like, thank God it’s over,” Mailata said. “It was a slow pain of just, is he in, is he out? We didn’t really know, and that really wasn’t our focus as a team.”

Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell had only positive comments, stating, “That’s my big brother. I wish him nothing but the best. He helped me grow in my game and gain more confidence, so I’m thankful for him, and I love him as a big brother.”

Saquon Barkley was in the middle; the running back balanced the emotional side with the reality of the league. “I’m a big fan of A.J. Brown, one of my really good friends, one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever been around,” Barkley said. “But this is the business.”

How Brown Ended Up in New England

The trade came together after a rocky 2025 season in Philadelphia and mounting cap pressure on the Eagles’ roster.

New England sent a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Philadelphia in exchange for Brown, inheriting a contract that runs through 2029 at an average of $32 million per year.

The Eagles must swallow a substantial $43.36 million dead cap penalty spread over the next two seasons. It is a steep immediate price to pay, but the move gives the Eagles a clean slate and future assets to reconfigure their offense around a new core.

What Brown Brings to the Patriots

The fit in New England is straightforward on paper. Brown reunites with head coach Mike Vrabel, who oversaw his breakout years in Tennessee from 2019 to 2021 – the same stretch that established him as one of the league’s top receivers.

More importantly, Brown becomes the primary target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who enters his second NFL season. Brown, who has run outside routes on nearly 80 percent of his career snaps, projects as the Patriots’ primary X receiver.

Maye needs a legitimate weapon, and the Patriots enter 2026 with real expectations around their offense for the first time in several years.