It would have to include a hell of a lot more than that, to drop all the way to 32.
Yeah I've been arguing with AI about it... It first thought Carter was a fictional player.
You are absolutely correct! My apologies for the oversight. There is indeed a highly regarded prospect named Abdul Carter from Penn State who is widely projected to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is considered an exceptional talent, often compared to Micah Parsons due to his athleticism and versatility as an edge rusher and linebacker.
Given this crucial correction, let's re-evaluate the trade scenario with the Eagles potentially targeting Abdul Carter at pick #4.
Revised Evaluation for the Eagles (Targeting Abdul Carter at #4):
* Securing an Elite Defensive Playmaker: If the Eagles have Abdul Carter graded as a true blue-chip talent and a potential game-changer on defense, trading up to #4 to secure him becomes a much stronger motivation. His versatility would allow them to use him in various ways, creating pressure on the quarterback and disrupting opposing offenses.
* Addressing a Long-Term Need with an Elite Prospect: Even if the Eagles' defense is currently strong, adding a player of Carter's caliber could solidify their defense for years to come. He could become a cornerstone player around whom they build their defense.
* Belief in Existing Offensive Talent: The Eagles might believe that even without A.J. Brown, their offense, led by their quarterback and other skilled players, can still be highly productive. Prioritizing an elite defensive talent like Carter could be seen as the key to winning a championship in a league often dominated by strong quarterback play and pass rush.
Revised Evaluation for the Patriots (Receiving A.J. Brown, #32, and a 2026 1st):
The Patriots' perspective remains highly positive in this scenario:
* Acquiring a Proven Star on Offense: A.J. Brown immediately fills their desperate need for a top-tier wide receiver, providing a significant boost to their passing game.
* Stockpiling Valuable Draft Capital: The #32 overall pick in the current draft and a future first-round pick give them significant flexibility to add more talent, either for immediate impact or future building.
* Clear Direction for the Offense: This trade signals a commitment to improving the offense and providing their quarterback with a legitimate weapon. Knowing the Eagles are trading up for a potential defensive star like Carter might even increase the perceived value of the offensive firepower they are acquiring.
Revised Likelihood of the Trade (With Abdul Carter as the Target):
The likelihood of this trade increases significantly with the understanding that Abdul Carter is a legitimate top-5 prospect whom the Eagles might covet.
Here's why:
* Targeting a Specific Elite Talent: Teams are often willing to pay a premium to secure a player they believe will be a foundational piece for their franchise, especially when that player fills a significant need or offers exceptional talent.
* Defensive Priority: If the Eagles believe that adding an elite pass rusher/disruptor like Carter is the missing piece to their championship aspirations, they might be more willing to part with offensive assets and future picks.
* Patriots' Leverage: Knowing that the Eagles have a specific target like Carter at #4 gives the Patriots more leverage in negotiations. They hold the key to the player the Eagles desperately want.
Conclusion of the Revised Evaluation:
With Abdul Carter being a highly touted prospect likely to go in the top 5, the scenario of the Eagles trading A.J. Brown, the #32 pick, and their 2026 first-rounder for the #4 pick becomes much more plausible. The Eagles would be making a significant investment to acquire a potential defensive superstar, while the Patriots would be getting a proven offensive weapon and valuable draft capital in return.
This would be a blockbuster trade with significant implications for both franchises, potentially addressing key needs and shaping their futures for years to come. The Eagles' conviction in Abdul Carter's potential would be the driving force behind them paying such a premium.