The Eagles are preparing for a potential post-A.J. Brown era, with trade discussions ongoing. They have added wide receivers Dontayvion Wicks and Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown, indicating a shift in their roster strategy.
A postâA.J. Brown era in Philadelphia could begin after June 1.
The writing has been on the wall for months, with multiple reports revealing that Brown is seeking a trade while the Eagles listen to offers.
Philadelphia has not committed to Brown returning in 2026 and reshaped its wide receiver room this offseason with the acquisitions of starting wideouts Dontayvion Wicks and Marquise âHollywoodâ Brown. Those additions will make it easier for the Eagles to move on from A.J. Brown.
In a scenario where Brown does not return next season, DeVonta Smith would become Philadelphiaâs top wide receiver, while Wicks and Hollywood Brown compete for the other two starting jobs.
The Eagles could make one potential final move in next weekâs draft to prepare for a future without A.J. Brown: selecting a wide receiver in the first three rounds.
Having decent wide receiver depth gives Philadelphia an opportunity to address other key needs in the first round, but make no mistake: the position still needs to be addressed with a premium pick. Wicks is a talented but inconsistent commodity, and Hollywood Brownâs best days are behind him.
Wicks could play in the slot if the Eagles draft an outside wide receiver, or the team could draft a slot wideout to push Hollywood Brown. Finding another dynamic playmaker could help Philadelphiaâs offense move forward without A.J. Brown.
If the Eagles donât take a wide receiver in the first round, here are 10 wideouts they could target on Day 2 of the draft:
2025 stats: 64 catches for 862 yards and 7 touchdowns
Bernard is one of the safest prospects in the entire 2026 class. Heâs not spectacular in any area, but he is good at everythingâ route running, hands and yards after catch. He is a tall wideout (6-1, 209 pounds) and has decent speed (4.48). Bernardâs average explosiveness could limit him to a possession wide receiver role. He can play in the slot or on the outside.
The Eagles have already acquired that skill set with Wicks and could look to add something different in the draft. Bernard likely wonât rank at the top of their list if thatâs the case.
Louisiana-Monroe v Alabama
2025 stats: 72 catches for 917 yards and 6 touchdowns
Calling Bell the next A.J. Brown would be unfair, but there are some similarities. Bell has a similar build to Brown at 6-2, 220 pounds. He also plays the same brand of football, bullying cornerbacks before and after the catch with great strength and using elite explosiveness to turn short routes like crossers into long touchdowns. Bell could have snuck into the first round if he hadnât suffered a torn ACL in the final month of the 2025 season.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 05 SMU at Louisville
2025 stats: 55 catches for 604 yards and 4 touchdowns
Williams could carve out a role in Philadelphiaâs offense as a slot wideout. The undersized pass catcher (5-11½, 187 pounds) uses his dynamic short-area quickness and swift movements to create separation. His strong hands and body control help him pull down tough catches.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 26 South Carolina at Clemson
2025 stats: 36 catches for 360 yards and 5 touchdowns
Fields is an enormous pass catcher (6-4½, 218 pounds) who snags 50/50 balls and high-points difficult catches over defensive backs. His underwhelming speed (4.61 40-yard dash) and inability to create consistent separation could hold him back.
Notre Dame Football
2025 stats: 71 catches for 1,004 yards and 6 touchdowns
Hurst didnât face much NFL competition in college, which will cause him to drop to Day 2 of the draft. He is one of the best candidates to outplay his draft slot. Heâs big (6-4, 206 pounds), fast and explosive. He burns cornerbacks downfield on go-balls and creates extra yards after the catch.
If the Browns leave Day 2 with two new receivers including Ted Hurst it would make up for not taking one on Day 1
2025 stats: 55 catches for 811 yards and 6 touchdowns
Stribling enters the league with a tremendous ceiling. He possesses great size (6-2, 207 pounds) and speed (4.36 40-yard dash), making him difficult to cover downfield and over the middle.
CFP Tulane Mississippi Football
2025 stats: 57 catches for 1,054 yards and 6 touchdowns
Thompson ran the fastest 40 time (4.26) at the NFL Combine among wide receivers, and it shows on tape when he gets over the top of SEC secondaries. He could be a dangerous deep threat in the NFL.
Texas vs. Mississippi State 2025
Bryce Lance (North Dakota State)
2025 stats: 51 catches for 1,079 yards and 8 touchdowns
Lance is one of the most physically gifted wide receivers in this draftâhe is 6-3, 204 pounds and ran a 4.34 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He tracks the ball well on deep passes and made a lot of plays against weaker competition. The question is whether that will translate to the NFL.
Pick Six Small College Stars Football
2025 stats: 62 catches for 1,017 yards and 9 touchdowns
Brazzell joins the list of freaky wide receivers in this draft who have unique upside. The 6-4, 198-pounder is an outstanding vertical target, using his 4.37 speed to burn past cornerbacks.
Chris Brazzell II would give the Browns a big downfield target
2025 stats: 81 catches for 811 yards and 6 touchdowns
Branchâs elite speed (4.35 40-yard dash time) was underutilized in Georgiaâs offense. He was limited to screens and other underneath passing concepts. The Eagles could maximize his athleticism and playmaking ability by getting him downfield more.
Is Georgias Zachariah Branch an answer for the Browns if they're looking for easy yards
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A.J. Brown is reportedly seeking a trade, and the Eagles have not committed to his return in 2026, prompting discussions about his future.
The Eagles have acquired Dontayvion Wicks and Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown to reshape their wide receiver room.
If A.J. Brown is traded, DeVonta Smith would become the top wide receiver, with Wicks and Hollywood Brown competing for the other starting positions.
The Eagles could officially move on from A.J. Brown after June 1, when potential trade scenarios may be finalized.
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