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Eagles Trade A.J. Brown, Add Woolen, Wicks, Lemon

6/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Eagles traded A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots on June 1 for a 2028 first-round and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
The Eagles signed cornerback Riq Woolen to a one-year $12 million contract, the NFL’s “Best Offseason Move” per ESPN.
ESPN’s Seth Walder gave the Eagles an “A” after they added receiver Dontayvion Wicks via a trade of fifth- and sixth-round picks and drafted back Makai Lemon in the first round.

History

Historical Context

After the 1993 collective bargaining agreement gave players unrestricted free agency and introduced a league salary cap—initially $34.6 million in 1994—the NFL has built roster strategy around those rules. The Eagles, led by GM Howie Roseman, now trade A.J. Brown and sign Riq Woolen under the same cap framework, showing the agreement’s lasting impact.

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Story summary

The Eagles traded A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots on June 1 for a 2028 first-round and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
The Eagles signed cornerback Riq Woolen to a one-year $12 million contract, the NFL’s “Best Offseason Move” per ESPN.
ESPN’s Seth Walder gave the Eagles an “A” after they added receiver Dontayvion Wicks via a trade of fifth- and sixth-round picks and drafted back Makai Lemon in the first round.

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