Eagles draft Makai Lemon amid A.J. Brown trade uncertainty
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PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles selected USC receiver Makai Lemon with the 20th overall pick on Thursday night after trading up from No. 23, adding the Biletnikoff Award winner to their offense while A.J. Brown remained listed as a likely trade candidate. Lemon finished his college season with 79 catches, 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The move immediately creates roster and cap implications this week, positioning the Eagles to spread roughly $40 million in salary cap hit over two seasons if they trade Brown after June 1; the Patriots and Rams have been named as potential destinations. Team officials, including GM Howie Roseman, reiterated that no trades are finalized as they manage next steps.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Lemon completes a college season and wins the Biletnikoff Award (season conclusion).
- 2. Prospect evaluations occur at the Combine and top-30 visits; Lemon meets multiple teams.
- 3. pre-draft rankings list Lemon among top receivers (Dane Brugler ranking cited).
- 4. On Thursday night, the Eagles trade up and select Lemon at No. 20 in the NFL Draft.
- 5. Reports following the pick link the Patriots and Rams as leading suitors for A.J. Brown and note June 1 cap/trade timing.
Why it matters
The Eagles' draft of Makai Lemon could shake up the team's roster and cap. If you're an Eagles fan, this could mean seeing a new star on the field. If A.J. Brown is traded, it could impact the team's performance. Keep an eye on the news after June 1.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
