Rumors Were Flying, but AJ Brown Just Set the Record Straight About His Sit-Down With Barkley and Hurts

Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown reportedly met with each other following the Philadelphia Eagles’ first loss of the season last week, but it does not sound like they wanted anyone to find out.

Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice reported on Monday that Hurts, Barkley and Brown “had a long, positive conversation” that lasted a couple of hours. Barkley was asked about the meeting leading up to Thursday night’s game against the New York Giants, and he seemed to confirm that it took place.

“I feel like that conversation is meant to stay between us,” Barkley said, via Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. “The focus was all about the team, and I think it was a good thing.”

Barkley added that he would not describe the conversation as a players-only meeting, as he feels like that can make it sound like “all hell’s breaking loose.” Hurts also confirmed that three players met but described it as “really just teammates being teammates.”

Brown was asked about the meeting following the Eagles’ 34-17 loss to the Giants on Thursday night at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The star wide receiver decided to deny that it even happened.

“I don’t recall that meeting. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Brown told reporters. “You need to talk to them. I don’t recall.”

It is clear that all three players would have preferred if word of the meeting did not leak. Only Hurts, Barkley and Brown know what was said in the meeting. Whatever it was, it did not inspire a great performance against the Giants.

Hurts went 24/33 for 283 yards, a touchdown and a brutal red-zone interception in Philadelphia’s loss. He also rushed for a touchdown. Brown caught 6 passes for 80 yards, and Barkley rushed for 58 yards on 12 carries.

Brown had 9 targets in the game, so the Eagles seemed determined to get him more involved. There has been talk that Brown is unhappy with his role, which is why the meeting he had with his two star teammates was more noteworthy than it might otherwise have been.

The Eagles have lost two straight games. Any in-house issues they might have been experiencing amid their 4-0 start will become even more magnified now.