The New England Patriots made a big splash in the trade market when they acquired A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles after months of speculation.
Brown had reportedly become frustrated with his role in Philadelphia's offense and with Jalen Hurts' reluctance to hit him in tight windows. However, he returned to Philadelphia on Thursday to retrieve some items and say his goodbyes at the facility, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo. He left a message on the wall for his old team.
"He was there at the facility last week, I believe it was Thursday, to pick up some stuff and say his goodbyes," Garafolo said on Monday. "On the walls there, they have pictures of Pro Bowl players, and A.J. signed his. They have the players sign them, and from what I was told, he then added, 'The best to ever play here. Always open.'"
Brown was a two-time Pro Bowler in four years with the Eagles and helped the team reach two Super Bowls, both against the Kansas City Chiefs. He helped them beat the Chiefs in the big game once and left a great legacy in Philadelphia. However, he will now try to help the Patriots win a Super Bowl.
Brown has wanted to be a Patriot since he was coming out of college, and will now get the opportunity to do so. He will also get to play for Mike Vrabel again. On paper, Brown and the Patriots look like a perfect pairing.
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