AJ Brown reveals how he was left torn apart after Titans trade despite Mike Vrabel promise
The Philadelphia Eagles acquired AJ Brown via trade with the Tennessee Titans in one of the most shocking moves of the 2022 NFL offseason. The transaction occurred during the 2022 NFL Draft in exchange for several picks. The trade was reportedly a result of a stalled contract negotiation as Brown was seeking a long-term deal.
Reports surrounding the trade have varied, with some saying the star wide receiver wanted to leave the Titans and others claiming the franchise was unwilling to pay him what he wanted.
Brown recently appeared on an episode of the Raw Room podcast to shed some light on the situation. He demonstrated that he was blindsided by the Titans organization when he was traded to the Eagles. He said he never wanted to be traded and planned on remaining with the Titans for as long as he could have them. Making things worse, head coach Mike Vrabel assured AJ Brown that he wouldn't be traded.
AJ Brown shared a series of text messages he received from Mike Vrabel to back up his claims:
"You OK with all this trade talk? It’s nonsense as far as I’m concerned.”
“We aren’t trading you but I would tell you just from my personal experience as a player and as a coach that you need to prepare to have patience. Just keep doing everything you can do to prepare on the other stuff and it will take care of itself. I promise you. Let’s visit again tomorrow."
“As long as I’m the head coach, you ain’t going nowhere."
Vrabel made it clear to Brown that he would be a member of the Titans for the 2022 NFL season. Brown also claimed that Vrabel never warned him that the trade would happen before it did.
AJ Brown made the Titans regret trading him to the Eagles in 2022
AJ Brown was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL during his three years with the Titans. He combined to record over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns during his time with the team. The trade was shocking after his huge production, but he responded in a big way in his first year with the Eagles, taking his game to another level.
Brown set career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns during the 2022 NFL season, leading the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII. He also faced his former team in Week 14 and reminded them of their mistake, recording a massive eight receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns.