Eagles reportedly have 'big plans' for this player amid A.J. Brown trade rumors

Reports continue to suggest it is a matter of when and not if Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman will trade wantaway wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots.

DeVonta Smith is currently on track to serve as the Eagles' WR1 during springtime practices. Meanwhile, the Eagles seemingly filled Brown's spot on the roster when they traded up to grab USC receiver Makai Lemon with the 20th overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

For a piece published on Wednesday, NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom US spoke with one unnamed longtime personnel executive about what Lemon will offer the Eagles as a rookie. 

Eagles "have big plans for" Makai Lemon?

"He’s a polished receiver," the executive said about Lemon. "There’s always a learning curve, but I don’t think it’s a steep one for this kid. Howie pounced on him for a reason. They have big plans for him." 

The Eagles likely won't trade Brown before June 1 for reasons related to the salary cap, but there continues to be no sign that he will share a locker room with Smith, Lemon and Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts this fall. That said, Lemon will have big shoes to fill following Brown's departure. 

ESPN stats show that Brown led the Eagles for the 2025 regular season with 78 receptions and 121 targets. He was also second on the team with 1,003 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns. 

Why the Eagles are high on what Makai Lemon will be for Jalen Hurts

Zach Berman of The Athletic noted that Lemon is "quick, smooth and keeps low to the ground." Meanwhile, La Canfora touched upon why Hurts may end up throwing Lemon's way early and often this coming season. 

"Lemon excels at yards after the catch," La Canfora wrote, "and with Hurts reluctant to thread the ball into tight windows and push the ball downfield, [Lemon's] ability to turn an underneath pass into an explosive gain looks like a perfect fit. [Lemon] is twitchy and separates easily from defenders...and rival executives believe he has the ability to be a big producer and vie for Rookie of the Year."

As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Lemon sixth among the betting favorites at +950 odds to claim Offensive Rookie of the Year Award honors for the 2026 season.