The A.J. Brown trade saga has dragged on for months. It's been a constant conversation regarding whether or not the Philadelphia Eagles will finally part ways with the superstar receiver.
While the trade still isn't official, the Eagles just showed their hand in the 2026 NFL Draft. They selected USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 20th pick in the draft after trading up with the Dallas Cowboys.
Lemon's arrival all but confirms that Brown is on his way out of Philadelphia in the coming months.
Makai Lemon draft pick seals A.J. Brown's Eagles fate
Lemon was never expected to fall to the Eagles. He was considered by most experts to be a top-15 prospect in this class. So when he was available at pick No. 20, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman had to make a move.
The USC star ranked tenth on FanSided's big board, coming in as the second receiver. Draft expert Marcus Mosher broke down his profile, saying, "Lemon has the prototype build for an NFL slot receiver (5-11, 192 pounds). While he'll never be the biggest or the fastest receiver, all he does is get open and make plays after the catch. He's incredibly reliable and durable, which is a must for that position. He projects a high-volume slot receiver that a team can run their entire offense through at the next level."
Brown and Lemon are two very different players. The veteran Eagles star is a prototypical "X" receiver, winning outside the numbers with physicality on vertical routes. He wins jump balls and threatens defenses down the field. The USC product, on the other hand, does most of his work from the slot. He thrives when creating space between defenders and himself in the short and intermediate areas."
The two players fill completely different roles, so they could hypothetically exist in the same offense. Still, there are only so many targets to go around. With Devonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Saquon Barkley also needing work, Jalen Hurts didn't have room for another top target.
Read more: Full details as Eagles fleece Cowboys in genius trade-up in first round of NFL Draft
As prior reports have stated, Brown will likely be traded in June for salary cap reasons. The New England Patriots remain the most likely destination. While the news of a trade still won't break for over a month, the Eagles just made their intentions abundantly clear by drafting Lemon in the first round. Brown may as well start packing his bags.
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