PHILADELPHIA — A.J. Brown returned to the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice complex last week to collect belongings and say goodbye, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. During the visit Brown signed a photo on a corridor wall that showcases Pro Bowl players.
Garafolo reported that Brown wrote, “The best to ever play here. Always open,” with the latter phrase matching signage that had hung above his locker while he was with the team.
Brown was traded to the New England Patriots on June 1, an expected move after a frustrating 2025 season. Garafolo noted that the fact Brown was in the facility as recently as last week suggested the split between player and club was not bitter.
Despite a down offensive year, Brown remained well-liked among teammates and staff, the report said. He had indicated at the start of the offseason that he believed the next phase of his career would be best served elsewhere.
Brown departs Philadelphia as a central figure in the franchise’s recent success, including playing a leading role on the team that delivered the city its second Lombardi Trophy. “I would say there were a lot of good years here and done a lot of good things with A.J. here,” coach Nick Sirianni said Tuesday. “I would say it was a good run.”
