How Eagles’ WR room looks without A.J. Brown Daniel Mader

For the first time since 2021 — which was Jalen Hurts’ first season as a full-time starter — the Philadelphia Eagles will not have the elite duo of A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith at their offensive disposal.

Following months’ worth of speculation, from the NFL trade deadline and deep into the offseason, the Eagles have officially traded Brown to the Patriots, deciding to finally move the star wide receiver — primarily due to his consistent tension with the team over his role, rather than his output on the field.

A disappointing 2025 season after a Super Bowl title brought plenty of questions over Brown’s future in Philadelphia. And now that he’s officially departing, the Eagles will have a major void to fill at wide receiver; Brown posted at least 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in all four of his seasons with the team, remaining one of the league’s elite weapons while helping bring a title to Philadelphia.

After re-tooling their offense this offseason, including bringing in a new offensive coordinator, the Eagles’ passing game will look a lot different in 2026 with Brown gone.

Here’s a look at Philadelphia’s new-look wide receiver room after Brown’s official trade to the Patriots.

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Eagles WR depth chart

With the expectation of a Brown trade looming all offseason, the Eagles chose not to go star-hunting to replace him. Instead, they’ve taken a depth-focused approach that should lead to more mouths to feed in the 2026 offense, from a first-round rookie to proven veterans.

Brown’s 121 targets and 78 receptions from 2025 are being vacated for next season — and that’s in a Philadelphia offense that hasn’t gotten much value from its WR3 and beyond in recent years. In 2025, third-string receiver Jahan Dotson didn’t have a major role in the offense, catching 18 passes for 262 yards.

Regardless of who else steps up in 2026, one thing’s for certain: Philadelphia is going to be asking DeVonta Smith to do more. Smith has proven capable of being a No. 1-type wideout in the past, from his 916 yards as a rookie in 2021 before Brown arrived, to big games in the absence of his co-star. But now, with Brown gone, he’s going to become the de facto go-to target for Hurts on the perimeter.

Smith, 27, has proven versatile and has long been considered one of the best WR2s in the NFL for years behind Brown. The former Heisman Trophy winner should have a path to career highs in 2026, with his current best totals of 95 receptions and 1,196 yards coming back in 2022.

Beyond Smith, the clearest candidate to fill Brown’s void will be Makai Lemon, who the Eagles traded up to select in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The USC product was viewed as a prospect with steady hands, the potential to break off big plays, exceptional burst and overall, a reliable receiver who can be an easy target for Hurts. Lemon is stepping into a potentially big role for a rookie on a team that expects to contend — but he’s also not going to become an All-Pro player like Brown overnight.

For that reason, Philadelphia added some solid veteran depth this offseason, trading for former Packer Dontayvion Wicks and signing journeyman receiver Hollywood Brown. Neither are going to make a ton of flashy plays, but both are also speedier options who can alleviate some of the burden off Smith and provide a deep threat to the offense.

Of course, it’s also an Eagles offense that still employs Saquon Barkley, meaning a run-heavy approach is expected. Add in the return of veteran tight end Dallas Goedert and the second-round selection of a talented pass-catching tight end in Eli Stowers, and there will be more mouths to feed in the Eagles’ offense than usual in 2026.

NFL free agent WRs

For now, the Eagles appear to be done investing in their wide receiver room; they’ve already brought in starting-level options with their first-round pick, via trade and in free agency.

However, there are still a number of notable names available on the open market, should Philadelphia want to add another veteran to the mix.

Here’s a look at some bigger-name wide receivers who are still free agents:

• Deebo Samuel
• Tyreek Hill
• Keenan Allen
• Stefon Diggs