2 parts to this:
- "The Eagles care more about the cash than the cap": this is what I have been saying for weeks. Brown is due an option bonus in about a week for around $30M. They can trade that option bonus to a new team if he is moved before then. So, they will become desperate to move him in a few days. They don't want to become responsible for that money even if it makes their 2026 cap hit larger, because long-term it is a better cash savings.
- "Who do they replace him with?": I wonder if they are trying to get a WR back in trade, something like Brown in exchange for Boutte and a pick. I am guessing NE might be open to that, because Brown will take up many of Boutte's snaps anyway, but if they send Boutte then they aren't going to want to give up much draft capital in addition.