The story of the Philadelphia Eagles‘ offseason has already been decided. Wide receiver A.J. Brown will either be traded for a hefty haul or retained for another championship-chasing season, distractions and frustrations considered table stakes on the way to a pivotal 2026 season.

Now, the writing is on the wall. Whether general manager Howie Roseman pulls the trigger remains unclear, but it would likely be before Philadelphia is on the clock in Round 1. In doing so, a trade would change the Eagles’ strategy come April.

How would A.J. Brown trade change Eagles’ plans?

No matter what happens to Philadelphia’s superstar, Roseman’s principles won’t be changing. We know he likes to draft premium positions in Round 1, even if it isn’t the biggest need on the depth chart.

His first-round draft history consists almost entirely of corners, tackles, defensive linemen, and corners, save for quarterback Carson Wentz and — last year — linebacker Jihaad Campbell. 

As such, a Brown trade wouldn’t be some seismic change. Instead, it would allow Philadelphia to take a receiver in the first round, an option that isn’t likely to be on the table with two stars already on the boundary.

With the 23rd pick in hand and another early-round selection or two potentially on the way, this class figures to provide them with several quality options.

Louisville’s Chris Bell boasts the most similar profile to Brown, although that’s more of a stylistic comparison than a talent one. He’s an excellent athlete whose burst stands out, and that blends with his physicality to make plays downfield and after the catch.

Out west, Washington’s Denzel Boston has an intriguing combination of size and polish. Once viewed as a potential top-15 pick, he’ll enter the league with 20 touchdowns and over 1,700 yards from the last two seasons. I don’t think he’s quite the fit for a Jalen Hurts offense, but he’ll likely be in the early-round conversation.

MORE: 3 reasons why Germie Bernard is 2026’s most underrated receiver

Fortunately for Philadelphia, DeVonta Smith’s versatile skill set makes this an easier equation. He has the separation skills to make plays at every level of the field, experience getting manufactured touches behind the line of scrimmage, and an elite ability to win at the catch point. Thus, the Eagles can opt for a receiver of virtually any archetype. 

Alabama’s Germie Bernard and Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion might be a bit of an overlapping talent, but with Smith as a skeleton key, Philadelphia can get the full benefit of either talent.

Of course, it’s also worth noting that a Brown trade could include a top-16 pick (not very likely), or enough ammo to package with their first-round selection to move up the board (a little more likely). That means that the class’s trio of true first-round talents — Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate, and Jordyn Tyson — can find themselves in Philadelphia.

Aside from Tyson’s injury history, there’s little reason why the Eagles wouldn’t sprint to the podium with one of those talents on the board. If that’s the case, they’ll hope it works out better than the last time Brown was dealt for a first-round pick.

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