A new day has dawned for the Philadelphia Eagles offense.
And while coaching changes have ushered in a new offensive philosophy and vision, another stark difference moving forward will be the emergence of DeVonta Smith as Jalen Hurts' unquestioned top target, making him a surefire selection for our top five most important Eagles heading into the 2026 season.
As one of only five players to win a Heisman Trophy, a National Championship, and a Super Bowl, Smith is the epitome of a winning football player. There's no drama surrounding the star wideout, just a quiet drive for excellence and unwavering efficiency that is tough to top when it comes to what he brings both on gamedays and behind the scenes for the Philadelphia Eagles.
DeVonta Smith's excellence will be as important as ever for Eagles
With the departure of A.J. Brown and, of course, the fresh offensive outlook amid the addition of offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, Smith now returns to top-wideout status in Philadelphia for the first time since his rookie campaign in 2021.
And for a wideout who has displayed both remarkable efficiency and durability since being selected by general manager Howie Roseman 10th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith appears en route to a career year in 2026.
Coming off a season in which the former Roll Tide teammate of Jalen Hurts eclipsed 1,000 yards (77 catches, 1,008 yards, four touchdowns), there's no reason to doubt a sizeable statistical increase is in the cards. His air-tight rapport dating back to Alabama with Hurts shows up every time the two take the field together, and now that he's the unquestioned top wideout in town, all signs point to an ascent into elite WR territory.
Having collaborated on the famed 'dagger' play in Super Bowl LIX, Smith and his franchise QB are always in lockstep. The chemistry is undeniable, and it's about to be amplified more than ever entering the 2026 campaign:
"I've played with Smitty since I was 17, 18 years old," Hurts said. "So that's something to consider when you think of our chemistry and on the foundation of where we come from. So I think having his presence has always been very valuable. I've always appreciated that. And I think as he leads and as I lead, it's just about putting those things together and continue to improve given all the change that we have in front of us."
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For Smith and this Eagles offense, a season marred by frustration is safely behind them. A new day has arrived for this unit, and Smith stands tall as the top target, making him one of the most important Eagles entering the 2026 season.
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