Eagles Confident in Wicks, Smith After Potential A.J. Brown Trade

The team believes it can replace Brown's production without using a 1st-round pick on a new receiver.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:07pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp planes of color and shape representing the various players and movements on the field.The Eagles' plans to replace star receiver A.J. Brown involve a cubist, deconstructed vision of the team's offense.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly comfortable moving on from star wide receiver A.J. Brown, believing they can replace his production through a combination of 2023 5th-round pick Dontayvion Wicks and 2021 1st-round selection DeVonta Smith. The team's offensive coordinator Sean Mannion previously worked with Wicks in Green Bay, and the Eagles view Smith as capable of thriving as a WR1 with a larger role. While a Brown trade is not expected until after June 1, the team's recent roster moves suggest his departure is imminent.

Why it matters

The Eagles' willingness to part ways with Brown, a Pro Bowl receiver, is notable given his importance to the team's offense. However, the organization appears confident in its ability to replace his production through internal options, potentially avoiding the need to use a valuable 1st-round pick on a new receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The details

The Eagles added several new wide receivers this offseason, including Dontayvion Wicks, Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, and Elijah Moore. However, none are seen as direct replacements for A.J. Brown. Despite this, the team believes Wicks can "level up" from his time with the Packers, where he flashed potential but also struggled with drops. The Eagles also view DeVonta Smith as capable of thriving as a WR1 with a larger role once A.J. Brown is traded.

  • The Eagles are expected to trade A.J. Brown after June 1 to split his cap hit between 2026 and 2027.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23.

The players

A.J. Brown

A Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Eagles who is expected to be traded this offseason.

Dontayvion Wicks

A 2023 5th-round pick by the Eagles who previously played for the Packers, where he flashed potential but also struggled with drops.

DeVonta Smith

The Eagles' 2021 1st-round pick, who the team believes can thrive as a WR1 with a larger role once A.J. Brown is traded.

Sean Mannion

The Eagles' current offensive coordinator, who previously worked with Dontayvion Wicks when he was with the Packers.

Howie Roseman

The Eagles' general manager, who has made several roster moves this offseason that suggest A.J. Brown's departure is imminent.

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What they’re saying

“From conversations with people in the Eagles' organization, I think there's a sense that Wicks can level up from where he was with the Packers, where he flashed promise but also frustrated the staff with drops.”

— Charles Robinson, Yahoo Sports reporter

“While a Brown deal isn't expected until after June 1 (to allow his cap hit to be split between 2026 and 2027), it feels likelier with each passing move from [Eagles general manager Howie Roseman], as well as the New England Patriots still clearly lacking a true No. 1 wideout on the roster.”

— Charles Robinson, Yahoo Sports reporter

What’s next

The Eagles will likely wait until after June 1 to trade A.J. Brown, allowing them to split his cap hit between the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The Patriots are seen as a potential landing spot for Brown, especially if they do not address their need for a top wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Eagles appear confident in their ability to replace A.J. Brown's production through a combination of Dontayvion Wicks and DeVonta Smith, potentially avoiding the need to use a valuable 1st-round pick on a new receiver in the 2026 draft. This suggests the team is comfortable moving on from Brown, despite his status as a Pro Bowl talent.