A year ago, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was facing questions about whether he could become a top target with D.K. Metcalf out of the picture. He responded by winning Offensive Player of the Year en route to a Super Bowl victory. Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith could be on a similar trajectory after the Eagles traded A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots.
On a recent episode of "The Athletic Football Show," analyst David Helman compared the two situations before saying, “I’m calling my shot now. He’s an All-Pro receiver. I know he’s never been named one before, but he’s an All-Pro caliber receiver."
Smith has everything he needs to enjoy the type of breakout campaign he just watched from Smith-Njigba.
Eagles WR DeVonta Smith is set for Jaxon Smith-Njigba-level breakout
The similarities go beyond the departure of the former WR1. Smith-Njigba was put in a new scheme in 2025, one that expanded his role within the offense. Similarly, new Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is expected to open up what Smith does in the passing game.
In the past, both Smith and Brown have been used primarily on vertical routes outside the numbers, with hitch and go routes comprising a significant chunk of their usage. Per Matt Harmon of Reception Perception, nearly half of Smith's 2025 routes were go, post, or hitch routes.
In his more modern scheme, Mannion is expected to use crossing routes more often to access the middle of the field.
Don't let his years as a de facto WR2 fool you. Smith has the chops to be a top target in the NFL. He's a former Heisman Trophy winner, a top-ten draft pick, and a three-time 1,000-yard receiver. Even with another top wideout taking away targets, he has still managed to carve out significant production.
As Helman mentioned, the major question here is whether Jalen Hurts can adjust to a new scheme. The veteran quarterback has been effective when throwing outside the numbers throughout his career, but he has struggled to access the middle of the field. If he can grow his game to pry open that area, Smith will benefit in a big way.
Read more: Eagles' Day 5 training camp practice exposed bigger problem around Jalen Hurts
Smith-Njigba logged 1,793 receiving yards and ten touchdowns on 119 catches last season. Smith may not reach those levels of production in 2026, but he is set up to take a leap into the NFL's elite group of wide receivers.
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