FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 17: New England Patriots helmets on the bench at Gillette Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Eagles made a move in their wide receiver room on Friday, acquiring wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks from the Green Bay Packers. In doing so, they created a surplus of wide receivers for the unit. This could be beneficial to the New England Patriots in their pursuit of acquiring superstar wideout A.J Brown.
The Eagles acquired Wicks from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick. This gave the team more receiving depth in an area they have been focusing on throughout the course of the offseason.
Sources: The #Packers are trading WR Dontayvion Wicks to the #Eagles and he is getting a 1-year, $12.5M extension in a deal done by @DavidMulugheta of @AthletesFirst.
An important acquisition at a position of need before the Draft. pic.twitter.com/GYZMsxjDEz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 10, 2026
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The Eagles signed Marquise Brown to a one-year deal on March 17. They also added a larger more on March 24. Those two additions currently add to a room that already features Devonta Smith. As it stands right now, the Eagles also have Johnny Wilson, Britian Covey, Anaïs Smith, Adarius Cooper, and Danny Gray. The depth in the room is palpable.
Of course, a trade may not get done anytime soon. Both sides could wait until after June 1 to finalize a trade to reduce the cap for the Eagles. The cap hit would drop from $43.4 million to roughly $16 million. It will be beneficial to the Eagles to wait for a move to get done after them.
Patriots Linked To Brown In Offseason Storyline
Brown has been linked to the Patriots numerous times throughout the course of the offseason. Coach Mike Vrabel was asked about Brown at the NFL Combine. The wide receiver also made an appearance on the Dudes on Dudes Podcast in February. Although Brown did not directly say he wanted to go to the Patriots, there was some speculation that he might come to New England based on the responses.
Wicks and his move to Philadelphia could help create leverage for the Patriots as the Eagles will need to move Brown with there not being enough room at wide receiver. In addition to the move itself, the Wicks deal included an extension through the 2027 season. This trade would not be a simple stopgap for 2026. It sounds as though the Eagles are planning for life beyond this season with this deal.
Patriots Are In Good Spot Now With Move
Either way, the Patriots are now in a good spot for an opportunity to land Brown. Philadelphia created a logjam at the wide receiver position. With that being said, this looks like a planned logjam, especially with the Wicks extension. If anything, the signals that the Eagles are stocking up on weapons to prepare for life post-Brown
It will be fascinating to see how all of this develops. Brown has been rumored to the Patriots for quite some time now. It would be exciting for Patriots fans if the Eagles and Patriots were able to get a deal done. Brown would give quarterback Drake Maye an X receiver and a playmaker to add to the offense. It would also give Brown, a lifelong Patriots fan, an opportunity to play for his favorite team.
The potential trade seems like a win-win for all parties involved. One has to wonder if this move is one that pushes the potential of a trade even further.