Now, however, Brown is healthy again and "better than ever."
"I've learned so much, and I've grown so much, mentally, physically," Brown said. "And age probably has something to do with it, just the mindset of growing. I think, for me, it's still to go out there and dominate and be the best version of me every single day."
Brown trusted his agent to figure out where his next opportunity would come, but he certainly liked the idea of playing for Washington again. He missed his teammates as well as the bond he created with them, and he felt like "a part of home was missing" during the time he was away from the team.
Many of his old teammates are now his teammates once again, but home looks a bit different. The locker rooms and meeting rooms all received an upgrade in the year that Brown played for the Jaguars. There's also new leadership on offense, as David Blough was promoted to offensive coordinator to help the Commanders have a more balanced attack.
Brown has high expectations for Blough in his new role, saying "the sky is the limit" for his new coordinator.
"He's very smart," Brown said. "He understands the game a lot. He played it, coached in it. He was under some great O.C.'s along the way, and I'm really excited for what he has in store for this place. I don't doubt him at all."
Brown doesn't know what his role will be in the new offense. It's possible that he will go back to being the vertical threat that he started to be in 2024. The Commanders could use his services in that regard, as there isn't a clear answer on who the No. 2 receiver will be opposite McLaurin.
Right now, though, Brown's goals are simpler than that. He just wants to earn a spot.
"At the end of the day, it's just me going out there and competing and finding a way to make the team better as well," Brown said. "At the end of the day, I need them just like they need me."