DeVonta Smith Steps Into WR1 Role as Eagles Navigate Post-A.J. Brown Era
The Philadelphia Eagles made a seismic shift at wide receiver this offseason, moving on from A.J. Brown and thrusting DeVonta Smith into the No. 1 role. The transition has been closely watched, especially after a quiet season opener in which Smith caught three of six targets for 53 yards in a 24-22 Week 1 victory over the Commanders. While he made a crucial 31-yard grab on a beautiful third-down throw from Jalen Hurts late in the third quarter to set up a field goal, he was otherwise held in check, finishing behind tight end Dallas Goedert (77 yards) and fellow wideout Dontayvion Wicks (73 yards) in receiving yards.
Despite the modest stat line, Smith’s impact remains undeniable. In Week 2 against the Titans, Hurts escaped pressure and delivered a 22-yard touchdown strike to Smith, giving Philadelphia a 13-7 lead. The highlight showcased the chemistry between the two, a connection that will be vital as the Eagles look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign following their Super Bowl LIX win. NFL analyst Louis Riddick recently expressed confidence that Smith will thrive as the Eagles’ WR1, pointing to his route-running and reliability.
Injury concerns have also been a storyline. Smith and rookie Makai Lemon returned to full practice participation for the first time in three weeks, providing a major boost to the offense. Head coach Nick Sirianni has faced questions about new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, but the return of key weapons should help stabilize the unit. Meanwhile, Brown trade rumors persist, though the team on the other end of a potential deal remains unknown. As the Eagles continue to adjust, all eyes will be on Smith to see if he can elevate his game and lead the receiving corps.
Shimanta Das 
