The Philadelphia Eagles spent much of the offseason on the periphery of the edge rusher market, but could be positioned to land one of the most dominant players at the position in the NFL, as the NFL Draft approaches.
Philadelphia’s best trade asset is wide receiver A.J. Brown, and the Eagles could look to move him in an NFL Draft blockbuster.
NFL Draft 2026: Could Eagles add Maxx Crosby in A.J. Brown swap?
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field after loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field after loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
NFL Media’s Matt Okada put together a list of the top destinations for Brown, should the Eagles trade him during the NFL Draft, including a blockbuster proposal that sends Brown and Philadelphia’s No. 23 overall selection to the Raiders, in exchange for Maxx Crosby and a third-round pick.
“Why not get a head start in Las Vegas and snag a WR1 for a rookie quarterback?” Okada writes for NFL Media. “Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Fernando Mendoza is mere weeks away from fulfilling his apparent destiny as the long-presumed No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, but his top wide receiver on arrival would be eitherJalen Nailor" data-link="/players/jalen-nailor/" data-slug="jalen-nailor">Jalen Nailor,Tre Tucker" data-link="/players/tre-tucker/" data-slug="tre-tucker">Tre Tucker orJack Bech" data-link="/players/jack-bech/" data-slug="jack-bech">Jack Bech. Mendoza’s No. 1 pass-catching option would technically be tight endBrock Bowers" data-link="/players/brock-bowers/" data-slug="brock-bowers">Brock Bowers, but the rookie will have a tough time finding his footing in Year 1 without another strong receiver in the fold.
“Keep in mind,Jaxon Smith-Njigba" data-link="/players/jaxon-smith-njigba/" data-slug="jaxon-smith-njigba">Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the league last season with a 35.8% target share as the focal point of new head coach Klint Kubiak’s offense in Seattle. Should Brown make his way to Vegas this offseason, he would immediately step into top-tier volume in this receiver room — something he’s frequently campaigned for in Philadelphia. In terms of compensation, the Eagles’ top need — according to NFL IQ — is edge rusher. Maxx Crosby isstillon the Raiders’ roster after the trade with the Ravens fell through earlier this offseason. Crosby’s trade value is a bit higher than Brown’s, but Howie Roseman adding in a little extra pick compensation could turn this potential deal into one of the more mutually beneficial blockbusters in recent history.”
NFL Draft
Insider Reveals Vrabel’s Deep Admiration for A.J. Brown as Patriots Trade Speculation Heats Up (Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
In Las Vegas, Brown unquestionably becomes the Raiders’ No. .1 wide receiver and elevates the rest of the offense, while Crosby would be the Eagles’ most dominant solution at a position of need that just might prop open Philadelphia’s Super Bowl window.
After both Brown and Crosby have spent parts of this offseason in various states of discontent over their current situations, perhaps the Eagles and Raiders will strike a deal that becomes a big win for everyone involved, during the NFL Draft.