The Philadelphia Eagles seem to be telegraphing that an A.J. Brown trade could be coming, even if it’s a couple of months after the 2026 NFL Draft.
After all, the Eagles signed veteran free agent wide receiver Hollywood Brown, and the speculation surrounding Brown’s future has become a constant throughout the offseason for Philadelphia. On draft night, general manager Howie Roseman could prioritize selecting Brown’s replacement, just five years after acquiring him in a draft night blockbuster trade with the Tennessee Titans.
NFL Draft 2026: Eagles projected to select Omar Cooper Jr.
NFL Draft
Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Former Indiana standout Omar Cooper is widely viewed as one of the top wide receiver prospects in this year’s class, and ESPN NFL Analyst Field Yates has him pegged as the Eagles’ selection with the No. 23 overall pick.
“Though wide receiver A.J. Brown is still with the Eagles,” Yates writes for ESPN. “The fact that the team reportedly had discussions for a trade tells you it’s still possible something happens after June 1, when it becomes more palatable from a salary cap standpoint. Of course, Philadelphia would be thin long term at receiver without Brown, which is where Cooper could help. He’s one of the best players in space from this class, averaging 7.3 yards after the catch in 2025. Plus, he can block extremely well downfield, which would fare well for running back Saquon Barkley.”
If Roseman pulls the trigger on a post-June 1 trade to alleviate the looming 2027 cap crunch, the burden will shift immediately to a rookie like Cooper to maintain Philadelphia’s vertical threat.
By prioritizing a playmaker with elite yards-after-catch ability now, the Eagles are ensuring that Barkley and Jalen Hurts have the perimeter spacing necessary to keep this offense elite, even in a post-A.J. Brown era. Cooper may even elevate the offense in the long run.
Philadelphia Eagles
Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman during pregame warmups against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images