Grading the trade: Eagles acquire potential starter that adds drama to A.J. Brown situation
The Eagles have made a trade to improve their offense. Now, what is next for WR A.J. Brown? Will this move affect their NFL Draft plans?
Howie Roseman is back to making phone calls. Just weeks ahead of the draft, he’s making a move to bolster the offensive talent and upside for new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. With the move, more speculation is set to erupt regarding A.J. Brown, too.
Eagles trade for Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks
Via Adam Schefter, the Eagles are acquiring WR Dontayvion Wicks in a trade with the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick.
Philadelphia is then signing Wicks to a 1-year, $12.5M extension to keep him through 2027, according to Ian Rapoport.
The Eagles are trading the 2026 5th-round pick that they got from Atlanta in this year’s draft and their second 2027 6th-round pick, according to Schefter.
This is the third notable WR addition that the Birds have made this offseason. They signed Elijah Moore and Hollywood Brown earlier in free agency and now trade for a potential starter.
“With the possibility of an AJ Brown trade at some point this spring, the Eagles make a pre-Draft move to secure a player at that position. And Wicks gets security for 2027.” — Ian Rapoport
Dontayvion Wicks trade GRADE: B-
This was not a costly move for Philadelphia. They need more consistency from Wicks than he has proven in Green Bay over the past couple of years, but they are betting on their coaching staff and scheme to get the most out of him.
Wicks is a potential starter and has some inside/outside versatility in the passing game. Smart move for the Eagles given a potential A.J. Brown trade.
Packers expert breaks down Wicks’ impact for Philly
I discussed this trade with Wendell Ferreira, who covers Green Bay for A to Z Sports.
“Dontayvion Wicks was always the odd man out in the Packers’ wide receiver room. Green Bay had six essential locks to make the 53-man roster, but four of them were in a contract year (Wicks, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Skyy Moore). Watson should get a new extension and Reed could be a viable candidate to stay, but Wicks didn’t have a realistic scenario where he would be in Green Bay beyond 2026.
That means Wicks is a player who could realistically get moved without compromising the roster too much — and the compensation is fair to make up for the risk. Since his rookie season, Wicks regressed in terms of volume stats (581, 415, 332 receiving yards), but also in advanced stats (2.04, 1.42, 1.39 yards per route run).
The talent is there, so it makes sense for the Eagles. But the situation wasn’t there anymore for the Packers.”
For the Eagles, we will see how they now navigate the 2026 NFL Draft following some additions to the WR room. Are they still on the hunt for another impact pass catcher because they plan to trade A.J. Brown?
We will find out by month’s end.
