After one year in Philadelphia with quarterback Jalen Hurts, Eagles Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown realizes just how significant a contract extension is for the QB this offseason.
Thus, Brown didn't hesitate to express his devotion to Hurts or put a little more pressure on Eagles general manager Howie Roseman to get a deal done.
"You gotta pay, bro," Brown said on an episode of the Raw Room podcast posted on Tuesday. "I love Philly. What I'm about to say … You do not pay this man, just ship me off wherever he's going to go. So, you talk about pressure, Howie, get it done."
The podcast, which features NFL veterans Daren Bates and Jalen Collins, is largely conversational rather than an interview, and some of Brown's comments could be seen as somewhat jovial. Nonetheless, it's clear Brown believes the Eagles need to pay Hurts -- and if for some reason they don't, he'd be happy to follow Hurts elsewhere.
It's unlikely it will come to that, though, as Roseman has made it clear locking up Hurts, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, on a second contract is his top priority of the offseason.
Still, Brown is stumping for Hurts after career-best seasons for the receiver and quarterback.
After he was traded from the Titans to the Eagles on Day 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft, Brown embarked on a debut season in Philly that saw him post 88 receptions, 1,496 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns. All of those numbers were career highs for Brown and his receiving yards were a single-season franchise record. Meanwhile, Hurts established himself as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league, racking up 4,461 yards of offense and 35 total TDs (22 passing, 13 rushing).
"They gotta pay him," Brown said.
However, beyond the bravado, Brown seems confident a Hurts payday is imminent.
"They gonna get it done," he said.
After Brown's hopes for a lucrative new contract eventually led to him being traded to Philadelphia, he's clear on the business of the game. Brown is hoping that the nucleus of him, Hurts and DeVonta Smith will stick together and collect a Super Bowl ring or two when the opportunity is present.
"I'm definitely going to try to do everything in my power to play as long with Jalen as I can," Brown said. "Him and DeVonta. Me and DeVonta, we're a great tandem. I'm definitely going to try to keep that going as long as I can. He's up and rising -- another level. At some point, he goin' to be up. We're definitely going to try to keep the team together and try to win when we're together. They gotta give Jalen the house, the building, the state, the everything."
Everything we've seen so far from Brown with Hurts has been sensational.
After coming up short in a run to a Super Bowl LVII, Brown is adamant that his QB needs to get paid and the winning time in Philadelphia carries on for seasons to come.
