A.J. Brown’s Offseason Begins with Questions-and Cryptic Posts-After Eagles' Early Exit
The Philadelphia Eagles’ season ended with a thud in the NFC Wild Card round, and in the aftermath, all eyes are once again on A.J. Brown-not just for what happened on the field, but for what’s happening off of it.
Brown had a rough outing in the 23-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Two uncharacteristic drops from the star wideout helped stall drives, and tensions boiled over on the sideline when head coach Nick Sirianni was seen in a heated exchange with him.
Brown didn't stick around long after the game. He declined to speak with reporters and made a quick exit from the locker room after saying brief goodbyes to teammates.
That moment, combined with an up-and-down season, has reignited speculation about Brown’s future in Philadelphia. While general manager Howie Roseman has publicly backed his star receiver, the chatter about a potential trade isn’t going away anytime soon. And in the modern NFL, where players often speak loudest through their social media feeds, fans and analysts alike have been watching Brown’s online activity closely.
Social Media Subtext
Since the loss, Brown has posted a couple of cryptic messages on X (formerly Twitter) that have caught attention. The first was a quote from Dr.
Julie Gurner:
“Envy no one.
For whatever you see, a price was paid.”
Not long after, he reposted another quote, this one from author Ryan Holiday. While neither post directly addresses his situation with the Eagles, Brown is known for using social media as a subtle outlet for his mindset-and these posts certainly feel like more than just random retweets.
A Down Year by His Standards
Brown’s 2025 campaign was statistically solid by most measures-he logged 1,003 receiving yards and seven touchdowns-but compared to the bar he’s set since arriving in Philly in 2022, it was a step back. For the first time in his Eagles tenure, he didn’t earn a Pro Bowl nod or All-Pro recognition. That’s a reflection not just of his individual performance, but of an Eagles offense that struggled to find rhythm and consistency down the stretch.
Brown’s frustration has been visible at times throughout the season, whether it’s been on the sideline, in postgame interviews, or through what he doesn’t say at all. And now, with the Eagles heading into a pivotal offseason, his future with the team is very much a topic of conversation.
What Comes Next?
The Eagles are in transition mode. With offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo out, the team is searching for a new play-caller-someone who will be tasked with retooling an offense that lost its identity late in the year. Whoever fills that role could have a major influence on how the team approaches Brown’s role moving forward.
It’s clear Brown still has elite talent. He’s a physical mismatch, a reliable red zone target, and a player who demands defensive attention every snap. But the relationship between star wideouts and their teams can be complicated, especially when expectations aren’t met and emotions run high.
As the Eagles regroup from a disappointing end to the season, Brown’s situation will be one of the biggest storylines to watch. Whether he stays in midnight green or finds a new home, one thing’s for sure-this offseason is going to be anything but quiet.