After an inconsistent start to the regular season, the Philadelphia Eagles are currently on a four-game winning streak ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Therefore, many expect Eagles general manager Howie Roseman to be active as he looks to improve the team in 2024.
While the Eagles are 6-2, star wide receiver A.J. Brown suffered a knee injury in Week 9, which is his second notable injury this season. Therefore, Philadelphia could opt to add another wide receiver at the trade deadline.
Eagles Could Add Insurance at WR Following A.J. Brown’s Knee Injury
Trade Proposal
- Eagles acquire: WR Adam Thielen and 2026 sixth-round pick
- Panthers acquire: 2026 fifth-round pick
Roseman is no stranger to making a move at the trade deadline, as he has made a deal in three consecutive seasons. The Eagles could make it four years in a row by adding depth behind Brown, as he deals with his second lower-body injury of 2024.
Luckily for the Eagles, Brown has reportedly avoided a significant knee injury. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Brown is considered day-to-day due to the knee injury that he suffered against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9.
Regardless of the optimistic update regarding Brown’s knee, the Eagles should consider making an addition at wide receiver. Philadelphia’s offense struggled without Brown earlier this season, and adding a former Pro Bowl wide receiver at the trade deadline is enticing.
Despite pulling off an upset victory in Week 9, the Carolina Panthers are just 2-7 and should be sellers at the trade deadline. Therefore, 34-year-old wide receiver Thielen will likely be available for the right price.
Considering Thielen’s age, a late draft pick swap will likely be Carolina’s asking price, which the Eagles should surely consider offering. In this scenario, Philadelphia adds Thielen and a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick to secure much-needed experience behind Brown at wide receiver.
While DeVonta Smith is certainly a talented wide receiver, Philadelphia’s options beyond Smith are lackluster. Jahan Dotson finally showcased his potential with an incredible 36-yard catch against the Jaguars, yet he has failed to consistently show up for the Eagles.
Sheeeeeesh, Jahan Dotson.
📺: #JAXvsPHI on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/ioVlA3yrs7— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2024
Thielen has missed six games this season due to a hamstring injury but is expected to return to action in Week 10. According to Panthers head coach Dave Canales, Thielen was trending in the right direction during practice, but the team held him out last week.
If Carolina wants to embrace a youth movement at wide receiver focused on Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, Thielen’s days with the Panthers are likely coming to an end. Given his age, Thielen would likely embrace a move to a playoff contender like the Eagles.
It’s also worth noting that Thielen is under contract for 2025 as well. Acquiring Thielen would allow the Eagles to essentially have their entire wide receiver room under contract for at least one more season.
While many are fixated on the Eagles making an addition on defense, wide receiver is an underrated need in Philadelphia. Roseman has traded for an established veteran wide receiver at the trade deadline before and there’s a chance that he could do it again in 2024.