The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a significant shake-up in their offensive lineup for the 2026 season, marking the first time since Jalen Hurts’ inaugural full season as starter in 2021 that the team will not feature the dynamic receiving duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. After months of speculation that stretched from the NFL trade deadline into the offseason, the Eagles have officially parted ways with Brown, trading the star wide receiver to the Patriots. This move is reportedly driven by ongoing friction regarding his role within the team, rather than any dip in his on-field performance.
The 2025 season, which concluded disappointingly after a Super Bowl victory, had cast a shadow over Brown’s future in Philadelphia. His departure leaves a substantial void at the wide receiver position. Throughout his four seasons with the Eagles, Brown consistently delivered, amassing at least 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in each year, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier offensive weapons and a key contributor to their championship success.
With a revamped offensive scheme for the upcoming season, including the appointment of a new offensive coordinator, the Eagles’ passing game is poised for a considerable transformation in 2026 without Brown.
Philadelphia’s New-Look Wide Receiver Corps
The Eagles have adopted a depth-oriented strategy to address the departure of their star receiver, opting against a high-profile acquisition to replace him. This approach is expected to distribute targets more widely across the 2026 offense, featuring a blend of a first-round draft pick and seasoned veterans.
Brown’s absence will mean the loss of his 121 targets and 78 receptions from the 2025 season. This is particularly noteworthy given that the Eagles’ offense has historically struggled to generate significant production from its third-string receiver and beyond in recent years. For instance, in 2025, third-string receiver Jahan Dotson played a limited role, recording just 18 receptions for 262 yards.
Regardless of other emerging playmakers, it’s clear that DeVonta Smith will be shouldering a heavier load in 2026. Smith has previously demonstrated his capability to perform as a No. 1 receiver, evidenced by his 916 receiving yards as a rookie in 2021, prior to Brown’s arrival, and his standout performances when his counterpart was sidelined. Now, with Brown gone, Smith is set to become Jalen Hurts’ primary target on the perimeter.
Smith, now 27, has proven his versatility and has long been recognised as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers, often ranking as the second-best behind Brown. The former Heisman Trophy winner has a strong opportunity to achieve career-best statistics in 2026. His current personal bests of 95 receptions and 1,196 receiving yards were set back in the 2022 season.
Emerging Talent and Veteran Additions
Following Smith, the most prominent candidate to step into a significant role is Makai Lemon. The Eagles made a strategic move to trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft to secure the USC product. Lemon was highly regarded for his reliable hands, big-play potential, exceptional explosiveness, and overall consistency as a receiver, making him a seemingly easy target for Hurts. As a rookie stepping into a potentially crucial role on a contending team, Lemon is not expected to immediately replicate Brown’s All-Pro status.
To bolster the receiving unit and mitigate the pressure on Smith and Lemon, Philadelphia also made shrewd acquisitions this offseason. They traded for Dontayvion Wicks, formerly of the Packers, and signed veteran receiver Hollywood Brown. While neither player is known for spectacular, highlight-reel plays, both bring added speed to the team, which should help alleviate some of the burden on Smith and provide a deeper threat to the offense.
It’s also important to consider that the Eagles’ offense will continue to feature the potent running game of Saquon Barkley. This, coupled with the return of veteran tight end Dallas Goedert and the second-round selection of promising pass-catching tight end Eli Stowers, suggests that the Eagles’ offense in 2026 will have a more diverse array of playmakers than in previous seasons.
Remaining Options in Free Agency
As it stands, the Eagles appear to have concluded their significant investments in the wide receiver position, having already brought in players expected to compete for starting roles through the draft, trades, and free agency.
However, a number of notable wide receivers remain available on the open market, should the Eagles decide to add further veteran presence to their receiving corps.
Some of the prominent wide receivers still on the free agent market include:
- Deebo Samuel
- Tyreek Hill
- Keenan Allen
- Stefon Diggs
