The Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots have officially set dates for what could become the most anticipated joint practices of the NFL preseason. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters that New England will host the Eagles for joint practice sessions on Aug. 19-20 ahead of the teams’ preseason matchup in Foxborough.
Under normal circumstances, the practices would already attract considerable attention. Joint sessions have become an important part of the Eagles’ preseason preparation under head coach Nick Sirianni, who often prefers the controlled, competitive environment over extensive preseason snaps for key starters.
This year’s practices, however, come with an added storyline.
The sessions will mark A.J. Brown’s first opportunity to practice against the Eagles since Philadelphia traded the All-Pro wide receiver to New England in one of the most shocking moves of the offseason.
Brown spent four seasons in Philadelphia and developed into one of the most productive receivers in franchise history. Since arriving in a draft-night trade from Tennessee in 2022, Brown earned multiple Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro honors and posted more than 5,000 receiving yards while helping the Eagles reach two Super Bowls.
Now he will take the practice field wearing a Patriots uniform.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss previously reported that the Eagles and Patriots had been discussing joint practices, with Sirianni and Vrabel holding preliminary conversations about conducting the sessions in conjunction with their preseason game.
The timing could not be more compelling.
Philadelphia traditionally treats joint practices as valuable measuring sticks and often gets more out of those sessions than the preseason game itself. Last summer, the Eagles hosted the Cleveland Browns for joint workouts before their second preseason contest.
This year’s version features considerably more star power and emotion.
There will be no shortage of familiar faces, but much of the attention will center on one player. After years wearing midnight green No. 11, Brown is expected to be in navy blue No. 1 when he lines up across from his former teammates.
For two days in August, the NFL’s biggest offseason trade will become very real.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles-Patriots joint practices gain intrigue after A.J. Brown trade
