Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni did his best on Monday to downplay any potential drama surrounding A.J. Brown after the star wide receiver posted a cryptic social media message following another subpar outing on Sunday.
Brown finished Sunday's game against the Buccaneers with just two receptions for 7 yards on nine targets. While the Eagles won to improve to 4-0 on the season, Week 4 marked the third of four games that Brown posted 27 or fewer yards -- numbers that are far below the standard established in a seven-year career with three Pro Bowl honors.
"If you're not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw," Brown posted on X after the game. "Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way."
Brown's scripture verse prompted reporters to ask Sirianni on Monday if the veteran still wanted to play for the defending Super Bowl champs.
"Obviously, A.J. is very important to this football team," Sirianni said. "I know he wants to contribute. I know he wants to contribute, and do the things that he's capable of doing. Again, he want to contribute in to these wins, and he's had a couple of games where he hasn't been able to. … I question nothing about his desire to play great football, his desire to be a good teammate, his desire to be here."
This is not the first time Brown's feelings about his role within the Eagles offense has come under scrutiny.
Last December, Brown's relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts became a storyline amid a string of subpar offensive play and after teammate Brandon Graham said during a radio interview that Brown and Hurts "were friends, but things have changed." Graham quickly clarified that he misspoke, and Brown and Hurts insisted things were good between them.
The Eagles would go on to roll to the franchise's second Super Bowl title that winter, but Brown's slow start this season (14 catches, 151 yards, one touchdown in four games) and Sunday's post have reignited speculation he could be unhappy in Philly.
Siranni was asked on Monday how he addresses a post like Brown's with the player.
"Obviously, always talk to him," Sirianni said. "Somebody I talk to on a daily basis I try to reach out to all our guys on a daily basis. Won't get into any private conversations that we have with any players about any topic. That's a sacred relationship between the head coach and players, and we'll always keep that private. Always in constant communication with all these guys."
The Eagles next host the Denver Broncos on Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. ET.
