Eagles Envision DeVonta Smith Breakout If A.J. Brown Traded

Some team insiders believe Smith could see a Jaxon Smith-Njigba-like jump in production without Brown in the lineup.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:15pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting football players in motion, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the dynamic changes in the Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver group.A cubist interpretation of the potential shift in the Philadelphia Eagles' receiving corps, with DeVonta Smith poised to take center stage.Philadelphia Today

According to reports, some within the Philadelphia Eagles organization believe that if the team trades away star wide receiver A.J. Brown, it would open the door for DeVonta Smith to take over the offense completely and see a major jump in production, similar to what Jaxon Smith-Njigba experienced in Seattle after DK Metcalf's departure.

Why it matters

The Eagles' wide receiver room has been a strength, but trading Brown could shake up the dynamic and provide an opportunity for Smith to emerge as the clear WR1. This would have major implications for the team's offensive strategy and Smith's fantasy football value.

The details

Some Eagles personnel reportedly think that if Brown were no longer on the team, Smith could experience a leap in production similar to what Jaxon Smith-Njigba saw in Seattle after DK Metcalf was traded. With Brown drawing defensive attention, Smith has been the clear WR2, but without that top option, he could become the focal point of the passing attack.

  • The Eagles are currently evaluating their roster options for the 2026 season.

The players

DeVonta Smith

A wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles who has shown promise but has played in the shadow of A.J. Brown.

A.J. Brown

A star wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles who has been the team's top receiving option.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

A wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who saw a major increase in production after the team traded away DK Metcalf.

DK Metcalf

A star wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who was traded away, opening the door for Jaxon Smith-Njigba to emerge.

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What they’re saying

“There are some within the Eagles' organization who believe that if Brown were no longer with the team that Smith can have a similar jump in production that Jaxon Smith-Njigba had in Seattle once DK Metcalf was out of the way.”

— Jimmy Kempski, Reporter

What’s next

The Eagles will need to decide whether to keep A.J. Brown or explore trade options in the offseason as they look to maximize their offensive weapons.

The takeaway

The Eagles' wide receiver room could look very different in 2026, with DeVonta Smith potentially emerging as the clear top target if A.J. Brown is traded away. This would be a major development for Smith's fantasy outlook and the team's offensive strategy.