The Philadelphia Eagles are facing one of their most turbulent offseasons in recent memory following a disappointing end to their 2025 campaign, where internal frustrations boiled over into public view. A bombshell report from The Athletic has shed light on deep-seated issues within the locker room, centering on quarterback Jalen Hurts as a primary source of discontent among players, most notably star wide receiver A.J. Brown.
According to the report by Mike Silver, published shortly after the Eagles’ 23-19 wild-card playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Brown repeatedly requested a trade during the 2025 season. Sources confirmed to Bleeding Green Nation that these requests began as early as after Week 3, following a win over the Los Angeles Rams. Brown, who finished the year with career-low production—63 receptions for 869 yards and five touchdowns—voiced his frustrations publicly on multiple occasions, including during a livestream where he expressed disappointment over his role in the offense.
The report portrays Hurts as the focal point of much of the internal strife. Described as a “perfectionist” who models himself after Michael Jordan, Hurts has allegedly become a source of frustration not just for Brown but for other teammates as well. The piece highlights a perception in the locker room that head coach Nick Sirianni, general manager Howie Roseman, and owner Jeffrey Lurie are reluctant to criticize Hurts publicly or hold him accountable, even as the offense struggled mightily.
This perceived favoritism has fueled resentment, with some viewing it as an echo of past dynamics involving former quarterback Carson Wentz, who was eventually moved on after similar tensions.
Brown’s dissatisfaction appears rooted in the offense’s inability to consistently feature him effectively. Despite his status as one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers, his targets and yardage dipped significantly compared to previous seasons. Reports indicate that the chemistry between Hurts and Brown, once a strength that helped propel the Eagles to Super Bowl contention, eroded over the course of 2025. Brown openly criticized aspects of the passing game, and his sideline confrontation with Sirianni during the playoff loss—stemming from a dropped pass and frustration over play design—became a visible symbol of the broader dysfunction.
The Athletic’s analysis goes further, suggesting that Hurts’ reluctance to expand beyond his comfort zone contributed to the offensive woes. The unit, under now-departed offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, ranked poorly in several key categories, with limited creativity and predictability becoming recurring issues. While Hurts has achieved significant success—including a Super Bowl MVP performance in a prior season—critics argue that his approach has limited the team’s ability to adapt and maximize talent around him.
Lurie’s hesitation to address these concerns directly has only amplified the narrative. As one of the league’s most respected owners, Lurie has historically maintained a positive public stance, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to rebound. However, the report implies that this reluctance to critique Hurts has left players feeling unheard, exacerbating tensions. Sirianni, who has defended his quarterback and players throughout, now faces questions about leadership in managing these dynamics. Roseman, meanwhile, has downplayed trade speculation surrounding Brown, emphasizing the difficulty of replacing elite talent. “It is hard to find great players in the NFL, and A.J.
is a great player,” Roseman said recently, adding that Brown “cares about winning” and remains an important part of the organization.
Despite the drama, there are signs of reconciliation. Hurts stated after the season that he and Brown had spoken and were in a “good, great place.” Other reports, including from Eagles insiders, suggest the pair smoothed things over off the field before the campaign concluded. Yet the damage from a lost season lingers, with Brown’s contract offering an out after 2026, leaving his future uncertain. A trade could provide cap relief but would come at a steep cost in dead money and talent loss.
The Eagles’ 2025 season exposed vulnerabilities that went beyond one coordinator or one game. The offense’s struggles were a collective failure involving scheme, execution, and interpersonal issues. Brown’s trade requests and the broader locker room sentiment point to a need for structural change. With a new offensive coordinator search underway—candidates like Zac Robinson have been interviewed—the team must address whether the current core can coexist effectively.
Hurts remains under a massive contract extension, making a move away from him improbable in the near term. His leadership style, while effective in high-stakes moments, has drawn scrutiny for potentially stifling input from others. The report’s depiction of him as resistant to being pushed outside his comfort zone contrasts with his public willingness to adapt, creating a complex picture.
For a franchise that has enjoyed sustained success in recent years, this moment represents a critical juncture. The Eagles must balance loyalty to proven winners with the demands of a changing roster and evolving expectations. Brown’s situation, in particular, underscores the fragility of even the strongest partnerships when production wanes and frustrations mount.
As the offseason progresses, Philadelphia’s front office will face tough decisions. Retaining Brown could require a scheme overhaul to restore his involvement and confidence. Ignoring the reported internal dynamics risks further division. The Athletic piece has ignited debate among fans and analysts, with some defending Hurts as a victim of poor coaching and others seeing it as evidence of deeper problems.
Ultimately, the Eagles’ path forward hinges on honest self-assessment. The talent remains elite, but chemistry and accountability will determine whether they return to championship contention or continue grappling with unresolved tensions. With training camp months away, the organization has time to rebuild trust and refocus on winning—but the clock is ticking on addressing these fractures before they become permanent.
