AJ Brown could leave, but the Eagles might gift Jalen Hurts this game-changing receiver

The Philadelphia Eagles already boast one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the NFL with AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. But with the future of Brown uncertain and a quiet season from recently acquired Jahan Dotson, the team is still actively looking for reliable depth-especially in the slot.

The Eagles haven’t hidden their desire to upgrade the wide receiver room. Dotson was brought in to be that WR3 spark, yet his underwhelming regular season opened the door for continued speculation. Now, with names like Parris Campbell gone and AJ Brown potentially on the move, Philadelphia’s need for another weapon has never been more urgent.

Xavier Restrepo fits the Eagles’ blueprint

Enter Xavier Restrepo, the Miami Hurricanes standout who’s been linked to the Eagles as a Day 2 draft steal. According to Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus, Restrepo could be the “perfect” match to pair with Smith and Brown thanks to his elite short-area quickness and top-tier production in single coverage.

Restrepo finished the 2024 season as an All-American with 1,127 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 69 receptions. He might not have the explosive measurables scouts typically drool over, but his football IQ, route precision, and toughness over the middle give him serious value-especially in a system like Philly’s.  If the Eagles can land him outside the first round, they’d be adding a cerebral, sure-handed slot threat who complements their existing wideouts without needing to dominate in space.

📈 Reliable and relentless

Miami’s Xavier Restrepo posted an 88.4 IGA Score® (88th percentile), one of the highest among slot WRs in this class.

💨 Max Speed: 20.0 mph (72nd percentile)

Elite short-area quickness, sticky hands, and uncanny feel for space. Chain-moving… pic.twitter.com/ST3GPhIkqq

— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) April 7, 2025

Hurts needs consistency, not just star power

Jalen Hurts has proven he can thrive with elite playmakers, but the Eagles’ offense can’t rely solely on big names and highlight-reel moments. Depth and chemistry matter, especially late in the season and deep into the playoffs. The Super Bowl run showed flashes of that depth, with Dotson contributing in clutch moments, but Philly needs more.  Adding someone like Restrepo, who brings effort, polish, and grit, could be exactly what the Eagles need to stay balanced-whether AJ Brown stays or not.

A small name with big impact potential

He may not have the same buzz as a top-10 pick, but Xavier Restrepo has the profile of a long-term contributor. And in an Eagles offense hungry for reliable options, he could be the next hidden gem to help push them back to Super Bowl glory.