Getting Faster

The Eagles finally made a wide receiver move. Only it wasn’t the one we’re all waiting on. They added speed to the offense by going Hollywood.

Sources: Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is signing with the #Eagles for 1-year, up to $6.5M.

A big addition to Philly’s offense. https://t.co/bxSNhfJskv

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 17, 2026

Let’s start by saying this move had nothing to do with AJ Brown. The Eagles needed to replace Jahan Dotson. They also wanted to add speed to the offense. Brown is an explosive receiver. Last year he was 49-587-5 for the Chiefs. Those numbers could go up now that he’s playing with a good QB (checking to see if any KC fans are reading this).

Brown averaged more than 60 catches a season over his first five years when he started for the Ravens and Cardinals. He is a guy that you can feed the ball to. At this point in his career he may be best suited to being a role player. Fran Duffy mentioned that Brown could be used in the offense the way the Rams use Tutu Atwell, another undersized speed receiver. Brown only averages 11.6 yards per catch for his career so he’s not necessarily a big play guy. He does have the speed to stretch the defense, which is likely why the Eagles wanted him. If he goes deep, that will open things up for DeVonta and the other starting receiver (AJ or whoever gets signed/drafted).

WR Marquise Brown

A 28-year-old elite speed specialist and technician who wins with upper-echelon acceleration and refined boundary awareness. He remains a high-floor Z or Vertical Slot option with excellent concentration that provides reliable, explosive potential. pic.twitter.com/NGgxNtIRrb

— Erik Turner Cover 1 (@ErikJTurner) March 13, 2026

Brown can play in the slot or outside. He showed really good footwork on a few of those catches. He doesn’t need to be great to help this offense. He just needs to be a good #3 that makes plays when the ball comes his way.

*****

A couple of updates on the AJ Brown front. Adam Schefter offered his thoughts.

Adam Schefter is “leaning” toward an AJ Brown deal and believes that’s what Brown prefers, but it likely won’t happen until after June 1st, as it would drop Brown’s $40M cap hit to $20M for 2026, since it’s split across two years.

“I still would lean towards an AJ Brown trade,… pic.twitter.com/RCVlhwq2aN

— Preme Football (@premefootball) March 17, 2026

No real news there. All the insiders lean toward AJ being dealt. But it doesn’t sound like it will happen any time soon.

The Eagles do have a high asking price for him, but that price was validated today. The Broncos traded a first, third and fourth round pick for WR Jaylen Waddle. AJ is a better player than Waddle so he should bring back a better haul. On a side note…the Dolphins could be awful this year.

*****

We sometimes talk about a championship window. After Super Bowl LII, that closed shut in a hurry. Things are different this time around.

Snap weighted age for 2025*

Five oldest teams: Commanders, Steelers, Vikings, Falcons, Broncos

Five youngest teams: Packers, Jets, Seahawks, Cowboys, Eagles pic.twitter.com/m1NtwgVxHM

— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) March 17, 2026

Those aren’t just young Eagles. They are young stars. As long as Howie and his staff continue to add talent, this team should be contending for a while.

*****

Darius Slay announced his retirement on Monday. Slay was great for the Eagles, making three Pro Bowls and helping the team to a pair of Super Bowls, including one title. Not a bad run. Howie traded a third and a fifth for him back in 2020. Some questioned the move at the time. It turned out to be one of the best moves Howie ever made. Not only was Slay a great player for the Eagles, he was also a great leader and teammate. He spent 2024 tutoring Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. I’d say that worked pretty well.

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