Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith seems poised for a strong 2026 season as he is stepping up into A.J. Brown's role with trade rumors swirling around him.
Smith has been the second wide receiver in the offense over the last four seasons, but the journey to be number one started in 2021 when he was drafted by the Eagles. With a new role being presented to Smith, former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. appeared on ESPN's Get Up to share whether DeVonta is ready for the opportunity.
"Of course, he is," Smith said on Get Up. "He's been waiting and biting and chomping at the bits for his opportunity. A.J. Brown is an alpha, and I would say he's 1A. DeVonta Smith is 1B. And when you look at the Philadelphia Eagles and why they are doing all the other things at wide receiver, they are setting the stage, understanding that A.J. Brown will not be there. DeVonta Smith, he's a number one wide receiver. He's been waiting for that opportunity."
Steve Smith knows DeVonta Smith is ready for his time in the spotlight
DeVonta Smith has posted three 1,000-yard seasons in five years in the NFL, but has never been selected to the Pro Bowl or All-Pro team. Brown is expected to be traded to the New England Patriots in the next week or two.
Smith is expected to be the number one receiver now with a brand-new wide receiver room being built by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. Joining Smith at wide receiver are rookie Makai Lemon, Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, and Elijah Moore.
In a new offensive scheme under Sean Mannion as the play-caller, many within the Eagles, including head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts, expect him to fit perfectly with the system. Smith has shown that he's an elite route runner and can make any catch that is thrown his way.
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Steve Smith Sr. is not the only one who believes DeVonta Smith is ready to be WR1, as many Eagles fans are ready to see him get his opportunity.
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