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With an A.J. Brown trade looming, it sounds like the Eagles have big plans for Makai Lemon

The Philadelphia Eagles have made a lot of moves this offseason, but it doesn’t seem like their work is over just yet. For months, trade rumors have swirled around wide receiver A.J. Brown, and once June 1 rolls around, it seems like he will wind up getting traded, with the New England Patriots being his most likely landing spot.

In preparation for Brown’s potential departure, the Eagles have brought several new wide receivers to town. The most intriguing addition of the bunch, though, has been rookie Makai Lemon, who was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 20 overall pick. Lemon’s arrival is the most telling sign that Brown will eventually be dealt, and it sounds like Philly has big plans for him this upcoming season.

Eagles Have High Hopes for Makai Lemon in 2026

Brown’s public frustration with Philadelphia’s offense throughout the 2025 campaign made it seem increasingly likely that he would get traded this offseason. The Eagles are fortunate to have another top-tier pass catcher, DeVonta Smith, that they can turn to if Brown gets shipped elsewhere, but the front office has also brought guys like Marquise Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, and Elijah Moore to town over the past few weeks.

It’s clear, though, that Lemon has the most upside of anyone in that group. Lemon is fresh off a dominant 2025 campaign with the USC Trojans that saw him rack up 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 13 total touchdowns. If he can find his footing right away in the NFL, he could be a perfect replacement for Brown, should he truly be headed for the exit door.

There have been some concerns surrounding Lemon, but his potential is tough to ignore. And as it turns out, the Eagles’ decision to draft Lemon has caught the attention of several folks across the league, with one anonymous executive saying he took note of general manager Howie Roseman’s decision to trade up in the draft in order to ensure that he landed the talented pass catcher.

“He’s a polished receiver,” one longtime personnel executive told Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom. “There’s always a learning curve, but I don’t think it’s a steep one for this kid. (General manager) Howie (Roseman) pounced on him for a reason. They have big plans for him.”

Makai Lemon’s 2026 Production Could Depend on A.J. Brown’s Status

GettyMakai Lemon revealed that he will be wearing the No. 9 with the Eagles

There’s good reason to believe that Lemon could form a dominant pairing alongside Smith for quarterback Jalen Hurts in the passing game. Expectations for Lemon as of right now, though, must be tempered because Brown is still part of the team currently. Yes, it would register as a shock at this point if he doesn’t get traded, but crazier things have happened in the NFL.

If Brown sticks around, that could seriously cut into Lemon’s production, at least in 2026. All signs point to him being traded, though, and if that does end up happening, Lemon could quickly emerge as a serious contender for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. Brown still needs to get traded, but even if he doesn’t, it appears as if the Eagles have some big expectations for their new rookie wide receiver.