The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the help of their NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys and leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers scrambling after mistakenly believing Lemon would still be available at No. 21.
The Eagles surrendered picks 23, 114, and 137 to Dallas, who added a seventh-rounder to the deal, enabling Philadelphia to jump ahead of both the Steelers and the Saints in the first round. CBS Sports reported the trade echoed the 2021 deal that sent the Eagles’ 10th pick to Dallas for DeVonta Smith, a transaction that ultimately helped Dallas select Micah Parsons. This time, the Cowboys selected pass rusher Malachi Lawrence at 23 after pivoting from an offensive tackle run that saw five linemen come off the board before their pick.
Lemon, listed at 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds, was described by CBS as an explosive, fiery competitor reminiscent of Steve Smith Sr., with the ability to turn short passes into big plays. Yahoo Sports highlighted his fantasy outlook, projecting 71 receptions, 902 yards, and five touchdowns over 16 starts in his rookie season, with a dynasty startup value ranked as a WR15 in Superflex leagues. His strength lies in contested catches and quickness after the catch, projecting him as a slot weapon who can thrive alongside DeVonta Smith and Jalen Hurts in an Eagles offense preparing for life after A.J. Brown.
NBC Sports revealed the human element behind the maneuver: the Steelers called Lemon shortly after the Eagles’ selection, unaware he had already been taken. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported the Eagles couldn’t reach Lemon because he was on the phone with Pittsburgh, underscoring how the Cowboys’ trade down created the opening that Philadelphia exploited. New Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, a former Cowboys assistant, indirectly benefited from the deal that sent Lemon to a division rival.
Howie Roseman’s reputation as a shrewd executor was reinforced by the move, with CBS grading the Eagles an A for capitalizing on Lemon’s unexpected slide to the back end of the first round. Lemon was the third receiver taken, going 12 picks after Jordyn Tyson (No. 8 to the Saints), yet CBS argued he could be considered the best receiver in the class. The Eagles now pair him with Smith, Barkley, and Hurts — a combination intended to ease his transition and maximize his playmaking ability in the short to intermediate game.
For Dallas, the trade represented a strategic pivot. With offensive tackle options dwindling, the Cowboys traded back to acquire Lawrence, a pass rusher who addressed a different need while gaining additional draft capital. The swap allowed Dallas to avoid reaching for a tackle and instead secure a defensive prospect with upside, all while facilitating a move that hurt two of their NFC East rivals.
Why did the Eagles trade up for Makai Lemon?
The Eagles traded up to secure Lemon as a potential replacement for A.J. Brown, who is expected to be traded in the coming months, and to pair him with DeVonta Smith in an offense led by Jalen Hurts.
What did the Cowboys gain from the trade?
The Cowboys received picks 23, 114, and 137 from Philadelphia, added a seventh-round pick, and used the 23rd selection to draft pass rusher Malachi Lawrence after pivoting from an offensive tackle run.
How did the Steelers miss out on Makai Lemon?
The Steelers believed Lemon would be available at No. 21 and called him after the Eagles’ pick, not knowing Philadelphia had moved up to No. 20 with the Cowboys’ help.
What is Makai Lemon’s projected fantasy impact?
Lemon is projected for 71 receptions, 902 receiving yards, and five touchdowns in 16 starts as a rookie, with a fantasy outlook rated at four stars and a dynasty startup value as a WR15 in Superflex leagues.
