06/03/2026
With A.J. Brown now gone, the Eagles officially belong to DeVonta Smith. For years, Smith thrived as one of the NFL’s best No. 2 options, quietly piling up big numbers while defenses focused their attention on Brown. Now, the spotlight shifts entirely to the former Heisman Trophy winner. Philadelphia is asking Smith to become the centerpiece of the passing attack, and after five seasons of proving himself, he’s earned that opportunity. Brown’s trade to the Patriots leaves a massive void, but it also opens the door for Smith to finally be recognized as one of the league’s true WR1s.
What makes Smith’s rise so intriguing is that he doesn’t win the same way Brown did. Brown overwhelmed defenders with strength and physicality, while Smith wins with precision, route-running, and elite football instincts. Defenses can no longer treat him as the secondary threat in Philadelphia’s offense. Every top cornerback assignment, every double team, and every game plan will now start with slowing down Smith. The challenge gets tougher, but so does the opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the franchise’s great receivers.
The Eagles knew this moment could be coming, which is part of the reason they invested heavily in Smith and continued building around him. Philadelphia may have added young talent like Makai Lemon, but the offense now runs through Smith. The question isn’t whether he can produce — he’s already shown that. The question is whether he can elevate from star receiver to offensive cornerstone. As the Eagles begin a new era without Brown, all eyes turn to No. 6, and for the first time in his career, DeVonta Smith stands alone at the top of the depth chart.