A.J. Brown’s 2025 season with the Philadelphia Eagles has been a frustrating mix of underwhelming stats and growing tension. With numbers far below his Pro Bowl standard, every move is under a microscope.
So when reports surfaced about a private meeting with his quarterback and running back, a simple conversation exploded into a full-blown controversy, forcing Brown to publicly clear the air about what happened.
What Did A.J. Brown Actually Say About the Meeting?
The controversy gained traction after NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo detailed the confusing exchange in a post on X following the Eagles’ loss to the Giants. His account highlighted the contradiction that fueled speculation about friction within the team.
“A.J. Brown asked about the meeting with Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley this week repeatedly says he didn’t recall any meeting,” Garafolo reported. “When told Hurts and Barkley confirmed it, he says you’d have to talk to them. As for the #Eagles’ offense: ‘We’re still trying to find our identity.'”
That report painted a picture of internal conflict, prompting Brown to offer his story. On October 10, he responded directly on X to set the record straight.
“Just to clear this up. That wasn’t a meeting or a sit-down,” Brown wrote. “I said ‘I don’t recall’ because it got painted like there was tension, and Sa had to step in. That’s not true. I was walking to my car, saw them, and stopped to talk. Nothing more.”
Just to clear this up. That wasn’t a meeting or a sit-down. I said “I don’t recall” because it got painted like there was tension and Sa had to step in. That’s not true. I was walking to my car, saw them, and stopped to talk. Nothing more.
— AJ BROWN (@1kalwaysopen_) October 10, 2025
This explanation reveals why Brown bristled at the “meeting” label. What teammates described as a casual chat had been framed by others as a serious intervention. His clarification was not about denying the conversation happened, but about rejecting the narrative of drama surrounding it. Still, the confusion over something so minor shows how much scrutiny Philadelphia’s offense is under.
Why Is There So Much Tension Around A.J. Brown and the Eagles?
The situation didn’t emerge from a vacuum. The Eagles have the 20th-ranked offense in PFSN’s Offensive Impact metric, and Brown’s individual performance reflects these struggles. He has been the 57th-ranked receiver in PFSN’s WR Impact metric through six games, earning a C- grade.
The numbers tell a clearer story. He has just 25 receptions for 274 yards and one touchdown on 45 targets. That production averages out to only 45.7 yards per game. Additionally, his target rate has dropped to 24.5% in 2025 from 29.9% in 2024, and his average separation on targets has fallen to 1.7 yards, the lowest of his career.
With Philadelphia relying heavily on its run game, opportunities in the passing attack have been limited. The frustration boiled over publicly after Week 4, when Brown shared a Bible verse from Mark 6:11 on social media. The post, “If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, shake the dust off. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way,” immediately ignited trade rumors.
The cryptic message drew a response from former Eagles star LeSean McCoy, who publicly supported the receiver. “I think that A.J. he wants the ball. Who don’t want the ball?” McCoy said. “You know, you talk about a top-tier receiver. Why not give him the ball? He’s an all-pro dude and we all know that.”
It appears Brown isn’t the only one feeling the squeeze. Fellow receiver DeVonta Smith has also voiced concerns about his role. Both star wideouts have only one touchdown each through six games. Though the Eagles began the season 4-1 before their Week 6 loss to the Giants, the offensive imbalance remains a persistent issue.
Ultimately, Brown’s clarification about the meeting was a strategic attempt to control the narrative and shut down any talk of a fractured relationship with Jalen Hurts. However, it doesn’t solve the fundamental problem. The Eagles have no intention of trading their star receiver, which puts the pressure squarely on both player and team to find a solution. Until Philadelphia finds a way to get its Pro Bowl receiver more involved, the frustration will continue to simmer, threatening to become a much bigger issue than a misunderstood conversation.