The Philadelphia Eagles and A.J. Brown seem destined for a breakup. Trade rumors continue swirling around the star receiver, with the New England Patriots coming up most often as a potential destination.

The Eagles could move Brown before the draft or even during it, which would bring in 2026 NFL draft capital. The financial side complicates things though.

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Any deal finalized before June 1 saddles the Eagles with roughly $43 million in dead money. Waiting until after that date cuts the hit closer to $16 million, so timing matters.

Former general manager Mike Tannenbaum already floated a draft prospect who could step into the ‘A.J. Brown’ void down the road. Denzel Boston, out of Washington, caught his eye, per ‘Words on The Birds’. The four-year contributor brings size and physicality to the receiver spot.

“He profiles like A.J. Brown. Again, not saying he’s going to be, right? He’s a perfect complement to the undersized quickness of Hollywood Brown and DeVonta Smith. So, I know we’re in the speculation game,” Tannenbaum said. “If they would draft Denzel Boston, not saying they’re going to, but if they did, that would be a very meaningful sign about the future of A.J. Brown in Philly.”

Boston turned himself into one of the country’s most productive receivers over the past two years. He racked up 125 catches for 1,711 yards and 20 touchdowns with the Huskies. That production included an 11-touchdown campaign in 2025, which earned him third-team All-Big Ten recognition and boosted his draft stock.

Mike Tannenbaum suggests potential A.J. Brown replacement: “Denzel Boston, University of Washington, four-year starter, big physical receiver. He profiles like A.J. Brown. Again, not saying he’s going to be, right? He’s a perfect complement to the undersized quickness of… pic.twitter.com/t4TrJCU0M1

— Word On The Birds (@WordOnTheBirds) April 18, 2026

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Philadelphia stayed busy at receiver this past month, reshaping the entire position group. The Eagles brought in Marquise Brown, Elijah Moore, and Dontayvion Wicks, adding depth and different skill sets to the mix.

Those moves suggest the team might skip drafting another receiver this year. But that doesn’t shut the door completely. League circles still expect Philadelphia to find a long-term running mate for DeVonta Smith. Someone who can grow alongside him and lock down the position for years to come.