Eagles trade up for Makai Lemon in 2026 NFL Draft with A.J. Brown trade speculation rampant

The Eagles traded up for a wide receiver for their first selection of the 2026 NFL Draft — a move that could have implications for star wideout A.J. Brown.

Philadelphia acquired the No. 20 pick from the Cowboys and drafted USC star Makai Lemon on Thursday in a trade that sent the 23, 114 and 137 picks back to Dallas. The Cowboys selected edge rusher Malachi Lawrence with the No. 23 pick.

“Man, I ain’t gonna lie, I’m just so blessed right now. I just praise the lord for every moment, really,” Lemon said upon getting drafted by Philadelphia. “This is a dream come true, I can’t even believe this right now.”

Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon poses after being chosen by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 20th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh. AP

Lemon, 21, had a breakout junior season with the Trojans, racking up 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 79 catches through 12 games, helping lead USC to a 9-4 record.

“They are getting a dawg that’s ready to work,” Lemon said of what Eagles fans should expect of him. “I ain’t doing no playing.”

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This selection for the Eagles means that Brown, 28, could be traded ahead of the upcoming season, a move widely speculated over the past month.

Earlier this week, ESPN reported that Brown, who has spent the past four seasons in Philadelphia, is expected to be sent to the Patriots after June 1, when his salary becomes considerably easier to trade.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrates his touchdown during the second quarter of the Giants and Philadelphia Eagles game in East Rutherford, N.J. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

Brown’s salary goes from $40 million to $20 million on June 1, with both the Eagles and Patriots reportedly interested in getting a deal over the goal line.

Through 15 games last season, Brown put up 1,003 receiving yards with seven touchdowns on 78 receptions.

The Eagles’ selection of Lemon marks the fourth wide receiver they have acquired in the offseason, only furthering the idea that Brown will not be on the team next season.