What happened: ESPN's Tim McManus described Philadelphia's reaction to A.J. Brown's departure as "almost like watching a city go through the stages of grief." The remark, shared by @espnNFL, captures the emotional fallout among Eagles fans after the receiver moved on. It is commentary on the mood around the franchise rather than a report of a new transaction.

Why it matters: Brown had become a centerpiece of the Eagles offense, so his exit leaves a notable void in the receiving corps heading into the 2026 season and explains the raw fan reaction McManus describes. The same A.J. Brown is already showing up in first Patriots footage alongside Drake Maye, underscoring how quickly the page has turned. Not everyone shares the framing — at least one fan publicly pushed back, saying nobody in Philadelphia is that worked up about it.

What to watch: Watch how the Eagles address the opening at wide receiver and how Brown settles into his new offense as the 2026 season approaches.