The big offseason question in Philadelphia is what the Eagles will do with star wide receiver A.J. Brown. While there is hope he could mesh with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and remain in the City of Brotherly Love, it’s increasingly hard to see him suiting up for Philadelphia next season.
This stems from multiple run-ins with head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts, as well as a personality that may not fit the team’s locker room. Another reason the Eagles might move on from Brown is DeVonta Smith, who led the team in receiving yards and can be counted on as the team’s primary wideout.
If the Eagles do part ways with Brown, what could they get in return for a receiver who has topped 1,000 yards in six of his seven seasons? While some reports, like Bleacher Report, suggest a first-round pick might be unlikely, one team that could offer a late first-round selection is the Buffalo Bills, who hold the 26th overall pick and are looking to upgrade their passing game.
Why Denzel Boston could be the perfect fit
When it comes to replacing Brown, one 2026 wide receiver stands out: Washington’s Denzel Boston. He could be a natural fit in Philadelphia due to his similar playing style. Both are big, physical receivers—Boston checks in at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, compared to Brown at 6-foot-1, 226 pounds. Boston consistently uses his size to outmuscle defensive backs, catching 77% of his contested passes this past season, ranking fourth in the FBS among wide receivers with at least 80 targets.
What a catch by Denzel Boston for the @UW_Football TD đŸ”¥
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) November 8, 2025
đŸ“º: @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/RysEBqKQRW
Boston’s sure hands are another major asset. He dropped only two passes this past season, and across his four years at Washington, he has totaled just five drops. He also excels as a run blocker, which is critical for the Eagles’ run-first offense. Last season, he earned a 77.1 PFF run-blocking grade, ranking second among FBS receivers with at least 225 run-blocking snaps. Boston uses his size effectively to box out defenders while maintaining excellent footwork on contact.
As for the 2026 NFL Draft, the Eagles would likely need to target Boston late in the first round. They could either use their own 23rd overall pick or, if a trade with Buffalo materializes, their 26th overall selection. Regardless of how they acquire him, if the Eagles do move on from Brown, adding a physically dominant receiver like Boston would be a smart move.