Another tough decision has been made by the Philadelphia Eagles with a guy who was going to be on the 53-man roster at the beginning of training camp, but now is looking for a new home.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Eagles are releasing second-year wide receiver Ainias Smith from the roster. The former fifth-round pick in 2024 caught seven passes for 41 yards and one touchdown in seven games.
The #Eagles are releasing WR Ainias Smith, their 5th round pick from last year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2025
He battled through preseason and training camp to make the roster, as he was also a special teams returner. Smith finished the preseason with six receptions for 40 yards and two touchdowns, while adding two kickoff returns for 38 yards and four punt returns for 63 yards. His biggest play of the preseason came in the first game against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he got a 46-yard punt return late in the first half to set up a touchdown for the Eagles' offense.
What happened with Smith's roster spot and what's next for the Eagles?
There are multiple factors that impacted Smith's chances of making the roster. The Eagles trading for John Metchie III directly impacted Smith, as Metchie was seen as the number four wide receiver behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jahan Dotson.
Another aspect is the emergence of undrafted rookie wide receiver Darius Cooper. It was clear that Cooper was one of the top receivers on the team and, by the end of training camp, had built a strong relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Smith's only shot of making the 53-man roster appears to have been through special teams. He had a great start with the big return in the first game, but struggled against the New York Jets with some miscues in the return game that might have hurt his chances to make the team.
The Eagles are more than likely looking at Smith as a good candidate for the practice squad. He has performed well enough that if more injuries to the wide receivers happen, he could step in and help.
Read more: Eagles have perfect opportunity to bring back former starter to defense
Philly's wide receiver room is going to look much different in 2025 with Smith gone and Johnny Wilson out for the season to injury. The question is whether Cooper did enough himself to make the roster.