While NFL insider Adam Schefter led his “2026 NFL draft intel” ESPN column by reporting that A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots in June is likely, he followed it up by indicating that that’s not the only trade the Philadelphia Eagles are cooking up.
It sounds like the Birds might be looking to acquire a veteran player during the 2026 NFL Draft:
The Eagles could be making more trades beyond any Brown-related move. League sources say that general manager Howie Roseman is plotting to make a deal on draft
weekend. Roseman usually has a trick or two up his sleeve, and other front office executives suspect there’s one coming this week.
One possibility is adding Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard, whom the Eagles have checked in on at various points this offseason, per sources. Greenard had 12 sacks in 2024, but he managed only three last season over 12 games, despite a solid 23.3% pass rush win rate. The Vikings have been adamant about getting a premium Day 2 pick for Greenard. Philadelphia holds pick Nos. 54, 68 and 98 on Day 2 this year.
League sources say the Eagles and Vikings could revisit discussions they already have had during the upcoming draft, but talks have lost steam in recent weeks. The Eagles’ wish list of trade candidates goes well beyond Greenard, per sources, though. Roseman almost always has a Plan A, B, C and D, and his team is one to monitor on one of the busiest weekends of the NFL calendar.
It’s not exactly bold to suggest that Roseman is going to “make a deal” on draft weekend if the implication is that he’s going to move around the board. That much is already obvious. Of course he’s going to trade up and trade down at different points during the 2026 NFL Draft. But the context of Schefter’s reporting suggests the Eagles will be looking to add an established talent, and perhaps specifically a pass rusher.
The Eagles’ interest in Greenard was previously reported back in March. It sounds like Greenard’s desire for a new contract seems to be preventing a deal from getting done. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis indicated as much last month:
In recent weeks, multiple NFC teams evaluated the Greenard trade idea. None has pounced on the deal, with a high-ranking executive from one of the intrigued teams saying the size of Greenard’s proposed contract was the central hurdle.
The Eagles clearly won’t hand Greenard a blank check. They have interest in him at a certain price, just like they did with Jaelan Phillips before he became too expensive and signed with the Carolina Panthers instead.
If we’re to speculate about who else the Eagles could be interested in, Pittsburgh Steelers edge defender Alex Highsmith could be a name to watch (hat tip to @igglesnut). The Stillers reportedly have interest in trading the 28-year-old who had 9.5 sacks in 2025. Highsmith is signed through 2027 on a relatively affordable deal with base salaries of $14.5 million in 2026 and $15.5 million in 2027 (that’s like top 30 money for the position). Recall that former Eagles vice president of player personnel Andy Weidl is the Steelers’ assistant general manager.
Maybe it’s not an edge rusher that the Eagles will acquire but a player at a different position?
Who else do you think the Eagles might trade for? Anybody on your wish list? Let us know down below in the comments!
