Eagles Predicted To Land 22-TD WR as A.J. Brown Successor in 2026 NFL Draft
Although the Philadelphia Eagles front office has maintained that star wide receiver A.J. Brown remains part of their plans, it has not completely ruled out a trade. With tensions lingering, a split between the two sides appears imminent after June 1.
Brown arrived in Philadelphia via a 2022 draft-day trade from the Tennessee Titans and quickly established himself as one of the league's top receivers. He has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past four seasons, including back-to-back 1,400-yard campaigns to begin his Eagles tenure.
He also played a key role in the team's Super Bowl victory the following season. However, during the 2025 season, signs of friction emerged, and Brown reportedly grew unhappy with his target share, sparking speculation of tension between him and quarterback Jalen Hurts.
While the three-time Pro Bowler has not formally requested a trade, there is growing belief around the league that a move could happen after June 1, when the cap charge will be much lower.
If that's indeed the Eagles' plan, NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter projects Philadelphia could look for a replacement in the 2026 NFL Draft, predicting they will select Omar Cooper Jr. with the 23rd overall pick.
"Cooper's strength, speed and elite body control should allow him to make a smooth transition to the Eagles' offense as a rookie. He'd be a godsend in the event of an A.J. Brown trade," Reuter wrote.
Standing at 6-foot, 201 pounds, Cooper offers an intriguing mix of size, explosiveness, and contact balance, making him a dangerous threat after the catch. His vision and playmaking ability allow him to break tackles and generate big plays, and his clutch performances were instrumental in keeping the Hoosiers undefeated this season.
Over four years at Indiana, Cooper recorded 115 receptions for 1,798 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging 15.6 yards per catch, a figure slightly more than Brown's average yards per catch in the NFL.
Philadelphia has already begun preparing for the possibility of life without Brown, adding receivers like Marquise Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, and Elijah Moore. With DeVonta Smith firmly established as the team's top option, the Eagles still lack a clear No. 2 receiver, a role Cooper could step into immediately.
Capable of lining up both in the slot and on the outside, Cooper would fit seamlessly into an offense built on vertical passing and yards-after-catch production. As the roster evolves, he also has the potential to grow into a primary target for Hurts, thanks to his versatility and playmaking upside.
Related: Eagles Predicted To Land 'Massive Steal' at QB in 2026 NFL Draft
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This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 11:08 AM.