Is A.J. Brown Worth His Lucrative New Deal?

The 2022 NFL Draft proved to have a first night of surprises.

In a night full of trades, no trade was more shocking than A.J. Brown going to the Philadelphia Eagles for their first-round pick.

Some people in the Tennessee Titans camp said contract talks with Brown were going well.

However, things clearly weren’t going well with the Titans trading him away for the 18th and 101st overall picks.

The young receiver was looking for a better contract before the 2022 season started.

He was also signaling a potential holdout if a new contract deal wasn’t reached.

Now Brown gets his new contract, but with a new team.

Eagles Give Up Relatively Little For Brown

Philadelphia only gave up two picks to get Brown.

However, some are eying his reported new contract deal.

According to Adam Schefter, the Eagles inked a four-year, $100 million extension with Brown.

Eagles are giving AJ Brown a 4-year, $100 million extension that includes $57 million guaranteed, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2022

With $57 million guaranteed, it’s a good chunk of money to give up for him.

However, with the contracts other receivers got in 2022, Brown’s contract is slightly less than those.

But was he worth the contract deal he received?

Brown’s Production Feel Off In 2021

In his first two seasons in Tennessee, he complied consecutive 1,000+ yard receiving seasons.

However, he finished 2021 with 869 receiving yards and five touchdowns, both career lows.

But he missed games in 2021, four games to be exact, because of injuries and an illness.

A.J. Brown has a hand injury and is officially questionable to return. https://t.co/SO9h2P6g5X

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 21, 2021

His health was also a reason behind Philadelphia passing over Brown during the 2019 NFL Draft.

While he missed four games in 2021, he got only one less reception compared to his 2020 stats.

That could signal his production value is fading fast in his NFL career.

If that’s the case, the trade deal and contract extension Philadelphia made could backfire.

However, with a new quarterback, he could find that production he had in his first two seasons with Tennessee.

Is Jalen Hurts A Better Quarterback For Brown?

When you look at Hurts over Ryan Tannehill, you might think Tannehill is the better quarterback.

However, a breakdown of their 2021 stats tells a different story.

Hurts was better at protecting the ball, only throwing nine interceptions while Tannehill threw 14.

But Tannehill was slightly better with passing touchdowns, having 21 against Hurts’ 16 touchdowns.

With passing yards, the two quarterbacks were nearly evenly matched.

Tannehill only had a ten-yard-per-game edge against Hurts in 2021.

So after examining all the 2021 comparisons, the two quarterbacks aren’t far apart.

With the Eagles quarterback entering his third season, he can improve on those 2021 stats.

But the question becomes if Brown can mesh with Hurts for 2022.

Is Hurts’ Playing Style Helpful For Brown?

Tannehill is known more for his play-action passes and staying in the pocket.

Hurts is more apt to run with the ball if in danger from defenders.

With his running first instincts, it might hurt Brown in the receptions department.

However, him running around could buy Brown more time to get open for him downfield.

For now, his numbers might suffer a little more with Hurts as his quarterback in 2022.