The speculation regarding the Patriots trading for wide receiver AJ Brown has reached a point of ad nauseam, and although the idea of adding him to the roster is exciting, the ongoing speculation doesn't feel the same.
Most of the league believes a trade is inevitable, but not until June 1, despite the Eagles shooting down the idea that it will actually happen.
There has been a lot of discussion about why Brown might want out of Philadelphia, particularly since they have reached the pinnacle of success since he was traded there. Not only have they won several playoff games, but they also beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, preventing the first three-peat in NFL history.
But as we've seen during games over the past year, the receiver doesn't look too happy on the sidelines, sparking a lot of whispers about the Eagles trading him. We're now hearing even more behind-the-scenes chatter that explains even more, and it starts with tension within the offense over quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Latest rumors explain why AJ Brown might want out of Philadelphia this offseason
The new discussion about the Eagles' current state was revealed by ESPN's Tim McManus and Jeremy Fowler earlier this week.
There was a lot of unflattering reporting on Hurts and how he has conducted himself in recent years, with one source stating that he has "Poor body language, not always bought in, not the most coachable and the players notice."
Given the rumors of tension between Brown and Hurts, hearing this new detail about what might be happening behind the scenes certainly explains a lot and is easy to believe would lead to what we've seen from the receiver during games.
Making it even worse are additional details from another source about Hurts' decisions to often go against the playcall, and, just like his behavior, it is fair to assume it would frustrate his teammates, particularly receivers.
"He has pushed back on changes that would diversify the scheme, sources said, including when it comes to him going under center more. He has shown a reluctance to let it rip at times, particularly against zone coverage. He diverts from the game plan and changes playcalls to what some feel is an excessive degree.
His strong preferences, coupled with the coaches' efforts to play to his strengths, which include his deep-ball accuracy and throws to the perimeter, limit the breadth to which the offense can expand -- or at least that's the way it has gone in the past."
If there is even a smidge of accuracy to this reporting, then it explains a lot about the attitude we've seen from Brown and why he might be more interested in going to the Patriots than anyone could have imagined.
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For the most part, Eagles fans have shut it down, believing he's happy where he is, but this new story suggests otherwise. It also helps address any concerns Patriots fans might have about his behavior, since that has been a constant talking point over the last few months.
What Hurts is doing shouldn't be a problem with Drake Maye, and we already know that Brown enjoys working with Mike Vrabel, so there won't be any issue between him and the head coach, either, as we've seen already with Nick Sirianni.
This is just one more reason for the Patriots to pursue this trade and get Brown to Foxboro.