NFL Teams Weigh Key Decisions on Star Wide Receivers

As the 2026 NFL season approaches, major roster decisions loom for both the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants. These moves involve notable wide receivers A.J. Brown and Odell Beckham Jr., potentially unfolding as early as Monday.

New York Giants Eyeing Beckham

The New York Giants have been in discussions with Odell Beckham Jr. for over a month, planning to welcome him to their facility soon. For added depth, the Giants plan to evaluate JuJu Smith-Schuster, Anthony Miller, and Braxton Berrios. Smith-Schuster holds familiarity with the team’s offensive strategies, having worked with Giants’ offensive coordinator Matt Nagy in Kansas City.

Beckham, at 33, aims to return to the team that initially drafted him in 2014. Recently, he attended a team charity event, engaging actively with quarterback Jaxson Dart and other players. This move follows the Giants losing Gunner Olszewski to a suspected Achilles tear for the season. While Beckham may not contribute on special teams, which Olszewski did, he remains a favorite of coach John Harbaugh. Beckham also provides security as Malik Nabors continues his recovery from ACL surgery and a subsequent procedure in April.

Eagles Consider Moving A.J. Brown

On the other hand, the Philadelphia Eagles gain more financial flexibility to trade star receiver A.J. Brown. Post-June 1 salary cap mechanisms allow spreading the dead cap weight over several seasons, rather than a single year. Before June 1, trading Brown imposed a $43.4 million dead-money charge for 2026. Now, that charge reduces to $16.3 million, rendering a trade plausible.

The Eagles have engaged with several teams regarding Brown, with the New England Patriots showing the most consistent interest. However, the Eagles demand a first-round pick in return. As reported, no team, including the Patriots, currently agrees to relinquish a 2027 first-round pick for Brown.

Rumors of discord between Brown and the Eagles have circulated for months. Brown’s dissatisfaction with his role, especially during last year’s run-centric offense, has been noted. Public statements and social media reflect his frustrations with both his role and interactions with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Despite his lucrative $32 million annual salary, making him the NFL’s seventh-highest-paid receiver, tensions persist.

The Eagles have bolstered receiving depth throughout the offseason, possibly anticipating Brown’s departure. A potential trade could materialize soon, signaling a new direction for the Eagles’ roster.