NFL Network analyst Steve Smith Sr. believes Eagles star DeVonta Smith is ready to become Philadelphia’s No. 1 wide receiver if A.J. Brown departs, echoing confidence recently expressed by quarterback Jalen Hurts. As speculation continues to surround A.J. Brown’s future in Philadelphia, the former NFL star believes the Eagles already have a player capable of stepping seamlessly into the role of the team’s top wide receiver.
Smith Sr. recently offered a strong endorsement of DeVonta Smith, arguing that the Eagles’ former first-round pick possesses everything necessary to become Philadelphia’s unquestioned No. 1 target should Brown eventually move on.
“DeVonta Smith has been waiting and chomping at the bit for his opportunity,” Smith said. “A.J. Brown is an Alpha and is the No. 1, while DeVonta Smith is an Alpha and a No. 1.”
The comments arrive only days after Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts publicly expressed similar confidence in his longtime teammate during organized team activities.
“There was a time DeVonta was ‘the guy’ coming in,” Hurts said Wednesday. “I know everyone has a lot of confidence in him.”
The support from both Hurts and Steve Smith reflects what many, both inside and outside the organization, have believed for years. While Brown has often served as the Eagles’ primary receiving threat, DeVonta Smith has consistently produced at a level comparable to many of the NFL’s top receivers despite operating within a star-studded offense.
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