As the Philadelphia Eagles head into a pivotal offseason, the buzz around potential trades is heating up-and unsurprisingly, A.J. Brown’s name is front and center. But while Brown’s future in Philly remains a major storyline, the Eagles’ front office, led by Howie Roseman, has more than one roster hole to patch up.
Let’s take a closer look at the positions that could use some reinforcements: wide receiver depth, cornerback opposite Darius Slay (CB2), edge rusher help, and some insurance along the offensive line. With around $20 million in cap space to work with, the Eagles won’t be shopping at the top of the market. That means any trade activity is likely to focus on value plays-guys who can contribute without breaking the bank.
Potential Trade Targets for the Eagles
One name that’s been floated as a possible trade target is Jawaan Taylor, the Kansas City Chiefs’ right tackle. On paper, this move would be all about preparing for life after Lane Johnson.
Johnson, now 35 and coming off a season-ending Lisfranc injury, has been a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive line for over a decade. But if he decides to hang it up, Philly needs a succession plan-and fast.
Taylor, though, hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations in Kansas City. His 2023 campaign was rough by any metric.
According to Pro Football Focus, he posted an overall grade of 53.3, which slotted him 80th out of 89 qualifying offensive tackles. His run-blocking grade?
A troubling 43.8, second-worst among all tackles. That’s not the kind of production you want protecting Jalen Hurts.
Still, if the Chiefs are looking to shed salary and the Eagles are looking for a short-term bridge or competition at right tackle, Taylor could be a low-risk option-especially if the price is right.
Wide Receiver Options: Quentin Johnston and Dontayvion Wicks
If A.J. Brown is indeed on his way out, the Eagles will need to get creative at wide receiver. Two names that have surfaced as potential trade targets are Quentin Johnston and Dontayvion Wicks.
Johnston, a former first-round pick by the Chargers, hasn’t quite found his footing in the NFL. Despite his size and athleticism, he’s yet to crack 800 receiving yards in a season.
That said, he’s still on his rookie deal and could be a cost-effective WR2 or WR3 option. The Eagles wouldn’t be banking on him to replace Brown outright, but he’d offer some upside as a secondary target.
Wicks, on the other hand, might be a better schematic fit-especially with Sean Mannion now in town as the Eagles’ new offensive coordinator. Mannion comes over from Green Bay, where Wicks flashed potential in a crowded receiver room. Familiarity with the system could help Wicks hit the ground running in Philly, and he’d slot in nicely as a WR3 with room to grow.
The Bigger Picture
For all the trade talk, it’s worth remembering that the Eagles have historically built through the draft-and that might be the smarter play again this year. Unless they’re moving A.J. Brown for a haul of picks or a can’t-miss player, the focus should be on long-term roster construction, not short-term patches.
There’s no denying the Eagles have some tough decisions ahead. But with a savvy front office, a franchise quarterback, and a roster that’s still loaded with talent, Philly’s not far from being right back in the mix. Whether that means swinging a trade or doubling down on the draft, the next few months will be telling.