Marquise Brown

The Philadelphia Eagles traded for Dontayvion Wicks in preparation for A.J. Brown‘s departure. Like Brown, Wicks has been a notably absent from Philadelphia’s offseason practices. Projected to make just $1,145,000 in 2026, Wicks deserves a minor pay increase, but sizable extension is long-shot. Expect Wicks to report to mandatory training camp in late July.

While beat reports hyped Wicks up as the potential WR3 wideout, Devonta Smith and Makai Lemon project to be featured in the Eagle’s run-heavy system. After posting a mere 48.6% Snap Share and just 5.4 fantasy points per game last season, Wicks will be competing with Marquise Brown for a low-upside role for fantasy football. The 25-year old is best comparable to Travis Fulgham on PlayerProfiler, a highly apt comparison. Wicks is only draftable in the deepest dynasty leagues.

Adam Schefter reports that a trade sending AJ Brown to the Patriots is expected to occur, likely involving a 2028 first-round pick as the primary compensation. Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Chad Graff suggests that Kayshon Boutte is the most probable candidate to head to Philadelphia as a roster substitution in the deal.

While the framework for the move appears straightforward, it is anticipated to take another month before the transaction is officially finalized for the 2026 season. In Philadelphia, Boutte will be competing with Dontayvion Wicks and Marquise Brown for targets behind DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon. Boutte’s fantasy stock is about to head even lower.

A.J. Brown is skipping the Eagles’ offseason program as trade rumors to the Patriots intensify, though negotiations have briefly stalled. Talks are expected to ramp up around June 1 to allow Philadelphia to split his $40 million cap hit across the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

While other suitors could emerge, New England remains the clear frontrunner to land the star wideout. Brown to the Patriots is the ultimate dynasty win-win. Brown and DeVonta Smith would see a higher target share, Dontayvion Wicks truthers can keep the candle burning, and no one seriously cares about Romeo Doubs.

A.J. Brown’s future in Philadelphia for 2026 is increasingly tenuous as cryptic organizational messaging signals a likely transition at the position. While the roster recently added Hollywood Brown and Dontayvion Wicks, the Eagles are expected to target a top-100 receiver to eventually replace Brown.

Brown has demonstrated elite Yards Per Route Run and Target Share metrics throughout his career. Philadelphia is picking at No. 23 and would need to trade up to acquire a Big 3 receiver to potentially replace Brown’s route responsibilities. Regardless of who the team drafts, the moment Brown is traded, DeVonta Smith‘s dynasty value will surge, Wicks truthers would be presented with a sell window, and Brown suddenly becomes attractive weekly streamer.

Interesting. The Eagles acquired receiver Dontayvion Wicks from the Packers for two late draft picks, with analysts expecting him to slot in behind DeVonta Smith. Wicks is viewed as a better long-term asset than Marquise Brown due to his youth, two-year contract, and established rapport with offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. In addition to his X-receiver profile, Wicks’ rugged run-blocking ability is expected to be a major factor in the team’s new offensive scheme.

Heading into the NFL Draft, Wicks is currently one of the great buy low options at WR in fantasy football dynasty leagues. Wicks will surge up fantasy draft boards if Philadelphia trades Brown, and then does not use a premium pick on a wide receiver.