Eagles 2026 most important list: DeVonta Smith

Posted by Admin July 15, 2026 NFL

Eagles 2026 most important list: DeVonta Smith originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Over the next few weeks leading up to training camp, we’ll be counting down the top 25 most important Eagles for the 2026 season.

25. Eli Stowers
24. Marcus Epps
23. Dontayvion Wicks
22. Tyler Steen
21. Moro Ojomo
20. Drew Mukuba
19. Jihaad Campbell
18. Nolan Smith
17. Jalyx Hunt
16. Dallas Goedert
15. Makai Lemon
14. Riq Woolen
13. Cam Jurgens
12. Landon Dickerson
11. Jordan Davis
10. Jonathan Greenard
9. Zack Baun
8. Cooper DeJean
7. Jordan Mailata
6. Saquon Barkley
5. Quinyon Mitchell
4. DeVonta Smith

As the Eagles move on after the A.J. Brown trade, the biggest key will be DeVonta Smith.

The former first-round pick has had a very good five-year career with the Eagles so far, but will now become the unquestioned WR1 in Philadelphia now that Brown is in New England. Smith was the Eagles’ No. 1 as a rookie in 2021 but he should be able to excel in that role in 2026.

“DeVonta Smith has had a really good offseason, has had five good years of being an Eagle as well,” head coach Nick Sirianni said in his first public comments after the Brown trade. “Very, very productive, and excited that he’s going to get extra opportunities that he works so hard [for].”

The Eagles are very confident in Smith’s abilities and his readiness to take over as the top option in this offense with Brown gone.

But Smith isn’t putting any extra pressure on himself.

“I mean, I’m just going out there and do my job,” Smith said this spring. “Regardless, however you want to look at it, one, two, three, four. End of the day, we all have jobs, and I’ve got to go out there and do it. I’m going to do the same thing I’ve been doing.”

In his five years in the NFL, Smith has averaged over 1,000 yards per season. His best season came in 2022, when he had 95 catches for 1,196 yards and 7 touchdowns. If he stays healthy, Smith could surpass that.

During Brown’s four years in Philadelphia, he averaged over 130 targets per season. In Smith’s five years in the NFL, he has averaged just over 110 targets per game. So if Smith gets an extra 20-30 targets per game, he could very well put up a career season in 2026.

The hope is that the scheme will help to maximize Smith’s skills. Many feel like the former Heisman Trophy winner has actually been underutilized during his NFL career. There’s a chance that Sean Mannion and his offense could unlock even more of Smith’s potential. The Eagles will miss Brown but they worked this offseason to add receivers to bolster that position. But it all starts with Smith.

While Smith has been very good during his NFL career, he has yet to make a Pro Bowl. That could change in 2026.