Marquise Brown

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.

With the Chiefs looking at a possible suspension for Rashee Rice at some point this season, news of injuries to three of their other receivers is not ideal this early in training camp. Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown are significant pieces in their offense. One or both of them could be assets for fantasy with or without Rice in the fold.

Worthy’s injury is concussion-related, and hopefully, he’ll be able to return before too long. It’s unclear the severity of Brown’s hamstring injury. We’ll see how long the 28-year-old is forced to sit out, but his long injury history is cause for concern.

I like Worthy, especially in Best Ball. I think he could be a riser as the season approaches, depending on the Rashee Rice situation. Brown is going much later. But, again, his inability to stay on the field makes me wary of drafting him even at his current ADP.

– Blake Stachel (@bllakkay)

Kansas City Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown declared himself 100% healthy. Health has been what has kept Brown from producing consistently, as he’s missed at least 3 games in 3 consecutive seasons.

Before missing 15 games in 2024, Brown had 4 consecutive seasons of at least 100 targets and 10.5 yards per reception. Brown finished as the WR22 back in 2021 with Baltimore after earning 145 targets and over 1,000 receiving yards. Brown will compete for outside snaps with Xavier Worthy. Brown is drafted outside the Top-60 of WRs, but has never finished a season where he’s played 10+ games outside of that ranking. Brown could be one of the most mispriced WRs.

Author: Bradley Stalder (@FFStalder)