The Philadelphia Eagles may need to trade up from the No. 23 pick in the 2026 NFL draft to secure a key offensive player. General manager Howie Roseman has a history of making such trades to enhance the team's roster.
Key points
Eagles may trade up from No. 23 pick in 2026 NFL draft
Howie Roseman has a history of first-round trades
Eagles looking for a cornerstone offensive player
Potential replacements for A.J. Brown or Lane Johnson
Draft dynamics could affect player availability
Mentioned in this story
Howie Roseman
Philadelphia EaglesA.J. BrownLane Johnson
PHILADELPHIA — Howie Roseman has a history of making first-round NFL draft trades. And the Philadelphia Eagles’ general manager ought to be prepared to make another move next week.
It might make sense for Roseman and the Eagles to trade up from the No. 23 overall pick when the 2026 NFL draft kicks off next Thursday.
There’s a very real chance that the Eagles, who many expect will be looking for a cornerstone offensive player in the first round, won’t be able to stay at No. 23 and land that.
There’s also a very real chance that a clear-cut replacement for A.J. Brown or successor for Lane Johnson falls further than expected, and the Eagles will have a chance to pounce.
Even Roseman acknowledged that on Tuesday during his pre-draft press conference.
“If something happens that somebody who’s higher on our board than 23rd is available, we’ll be ready for that,” Roseman said. “If there’s an opportunity that we think makes sense to move up based on the value of that player, we’ll move up.”
Roseman has done it before.
The Eagles have traded up in four of the last five first rounds, jumping on the opportunity to draft DeVonta Smith (2021), Jordan Davis (2022), Jalen Carter (2023) and Jihaad Campbell (2025). The jury is still out on Campbell. But those first three trades worked out well.
Q&A
Why might the Eagles trade up in the 2026 NFL draft?
The Eagles may trade up to secure a cornerstone offensive player, as they might not find one at the No. 23 pick.
Who are potential replacements the Eagles could target in the draft?
The Eagles could target replacements for A.J. Brown or successors for Lane Johnson, depending on how the draft unfolds.
What is Howie Roseman's history with NFL draft trades?
Howie Roseman has a history of making first-round trades to improve the Eagles' roster during the NFL draft.
What is the significance of the Eagles' No. 23 pick in the draft?
The No. 23 pick is significant as it may limit the Eagles' ability to land a top offensive talent without moving up.
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DeVonta Smith
DeVonta Smith
Roseman moved up two spots to draft Smith right before the New York Giants could. He traded up two spots to make sure no one else moved for Davis. He took the same approach with Carter and Campbell, shifting up one spot to make sure no one selected free-falling talents.
Every first-round deal is noteworthy. But those moves were relatively subtle. Other than taking Smith right from under the Giants’ nose, they weren’t flashy trades. But they were necessary in the moment and in retrospect, considering how those players panned out.
The Eagles could be in a position where they’ll want or need to do it again. Brown being traded feels like a formality at this point, and Johnson is entering his 14th season. Offensive tackle and wide receiver are premium positions, and other teams will be after those top talents.
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There’s a cluster of teams in need of a tackle.
The Browns (No. 24), 49ers (No. 27) and Chiefs (No. 29) pick behind the Eagles and could trade in front of them. The Lions (No. 17), Panthers (No. 19), Steelers (No. 21) and Chargers (No. 22) pick just ahead of the Eagles. And that’s not factoring the Cardinals (No. 3), Rams (No. 13) and Bengals (No. 10) into the equation.
We just listed 10 teams that could be in on a tackle. Dane Brugler, The Athletic’s lead NFL draft expert, gave seven offensive tackles — Utah’s Spencer Fano, Miami’s Francis Mauigoa, Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor, Utah’s Caleb Lomu, Clemson’s Blake Miller and Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor — a first-round grade.
Caleb Lomu
Caleb Lomu
Of course, not all 10 of those teams will go tackle in the first round. But depending on how Roseman and his staff view those tackle options, trading up should be on the table.
The same could be said at wide receiver.
Almost half the league could draft a first-round wideout. Brugler gave six — Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, USC’s Makai Lemon, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion, Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. and Washington’s Denzel Boston — first-round grades.
Now, with the way Roseman draft-proofed the receiver room, trading for Dontayvion Wicks and signing Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore, the Eagles won’t be desperate for a first-round receiver assuming A.J. Brown is dealt.
The same could be said at tackle. Despite retirement rumors this offseason, Johnson is under contract through 2027, and swing tackle Fred Johnson was brought back on a one-year deal.
But even with those meticulous roster moves, Roseman should be ready to work the phones (and his magic) next Thursday when the first round gets going.
The Eagles might have to move up from No. 23. And history would suggest Roseman is prepared to do just that.
