NFL Teams Face Key Roster Decisions with Star Wide Receivers
With the 2026 NFL season 100 days away, the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants are contemplating major roster moves involving high-profile wide receivers. The changes concerning A.J. Brown and Odell Beckham Jr. may occur as soon as Monday.
New York Giants’ Pursuit of Odell Beckham Jr.
The Giants have been in talks with Beckham for over a month. A source confirmed to OutKick and Fox News Digital that the team plans to bring the receiver to their facility on Monday. Additionally, the Giants will evaluate JuJu Smith-Schuster, Anthony Miller, and Braxton Berrios that same day. Smith-Schuster holds an advantage due to his previous experience with Giants offensive coordinator Matt Nagy in Kansas City.
Beckham, 33, is eager to rejoin the team that initially drafted him in 2014. He’s been working to secure a contract offer. Over the weekend, Beckham participated in a team charity softball game, where he interacted closely with quarterback Jaxson Dart and other players.
“Odell Beckham Jr. of the Miami Dolphins warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Nov. 24, 2024.” (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Giants need reinforcement at the receiver position after Gunner Olszewski’s season-ending Achilles injury. Beckham, while not a special teams player like Olszewski or Berrios, is favored by coach John Harbaugh. He also offers depth considering Malik Nabors’ recovery from ACL surgery and subsequent procedures.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Financial Maneuvering for A.J. Brown
Meanwhile, the Eagles are more financially equipped to consider trading A.J. Brown. June 1 activates salary cap adjustments allowing the Eagles to distribute the financial burden of trading Brown over several seasons, reducing the immediate impact for 2026.
Prior to June 1, trading Brown would impose a $43.4 million dead-money charge on the Eagles, making it financially infeasible. Post-June 1, the charge reduces to $16.3 million by spreading it across multiple years, making a trade feasible.
Despite the financial flexibility, the Eagles are seeking a first-round pick in exchange for Brown, which has been a sticking point. The New England Patriots have shown interest, yet they, like other teams, are reluctant to part with a 2027 first-round pick.
“A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., on Sept. 21, 2025.” (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Although the Eagles can now explore a trade, they insist on receiving fair market value, not engaging in a sale for a valuable player. Curiosity surrounds the Eagles’ reason for considering parting with a 29-year-old talented receiver.
Browns’ expressed dissatisfaction with his role in the team’s run-heavy offense centered around 2,000-yard rusher Saquon Barkley has been evident. This frustration has been voiced publicly and through social media, causing distractions within the team.
Speculations of a trade are not surprising. The Eagles have strengthened their receiver lineup during the offseason, preparing for life post-Brown. The realization of this future begins Monday morning.