Amid speculation about A.J. Brown's future, Smith emphasizes his commitment to the Eagles' offense
Category: Sports
As trade rumors swirl around Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, teammate DeVonta Smith remains focused on his responsibilities. During his annual Celebrity Softball Game in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on May 2, 2026, Smith addressed questions about Brown's potential departure, stating, "I got a job to do so I plan to go out there and do that," according to Zach Berman of The Athletic.
The speculation surrounding Brown's future with the Eagles has intensified as June 1 approaches, a date that could significantly impact the team's salary cap situation. If the Eagles trade Brown after this date, the dead money hit would drop from $43 million to $16.4 million, opening the door for a possible trade that could yield valuable assets for the team.
Smith's comments come at a time when he could soon become the Eagles' top receiving option. If Brown is traded, Smith would step into the role of the unquestioned No. 1 wideout, a transition he appears ready to embrace. He noted, "I just go out there and do my job," reinforcing his commitment to maintaining focus on his performance rather than engaging in speculation about his teammate.
A.J. Brown's tenure with the Eagles has been marked by notable achievements, including three Pro Bowl selections and a reputation as a top-tier receiver. Nonetheless, his time in Philadelphia has also been characterized by public frustrations about his role within the offense and his relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts. In a previous season, Brown even urged fans to "get rid" of him if he was on their fantasy football team, highlighting his dissatisfaction.
Amid these tensions, reports have emerged indicating that the Eagles are engaged in discussions about trading Brown with multiple teams, including the New England Patriots, who have been identified as a leading candidate for his services. Patriots director of player personnel Eliot Wolf acknowledged the team's interest in improving their roster, leaving the door open for a potential trade.
As the June 1 deadline approaches, analysts speculate that the Eagles will likely finalize a trade for Brown, with the Patriots being a strong contender. Brown's contract, which includes a three-year, $96 million extension signed in April 2024, complicates matters, as trading him before June 1 would impose a hefty dead cap hit on the team.
If Brown is traded, Smith's role as the primary receiver would increase significantly. Over his first three seasons with the Eagles, Smith has established himself as a reliable target, recording 240 catches for 3,178 yards and 19 touchdowns. He shattered the franchise's rookie record for receiving yards in 2021, finishing with 916 yards, and set a new record for single-season receptions by a wide receiver in 2022 with 95 catches.
Smith's performance has not gone unnoticed, as he signed a three-year, $75 million contract extension before the 2024 season, which currently places him among the top seven highest-paid receivers in the NFL. As of now, Smith is scheduled to earn $14 million in 2026, with his salary increasing to $22 million annually for 2027 and 2028. Should he excel as the Eagles' No. 1 target, he could command an extension exceeding $30 million per year, similar to what Brown currently earns.
Analysts, including Brad Gagnon from Bleacher Report, have labeled Smith as a highly-paid secondary option, arguing that he is a clear No. 2 receiver. Gagnon noted that Smith has averaged about 1,000 yards per season and has never scored more than eight touchdowns in a campaign. Yet, Smith's unique accomplishments—being one of only five players to win a college national championship, the Heisman Trophy, and a Super Bowl—highlight his talent and potential.
As the offseason progresses, Smith's focus remains on his preparation for the upcoming season. He has consistently maintained a professional demeanor, avoiding distractions and emphasizing the importance of controlling what he can control. With the Eagles' front office yet to provide an official update on Brown's status, the coming weeks will be telling for the team's future.
The Eagles' management, led by general manager Howie Roseman, has downplayed the likelihood of a Brown trade, insisting he remains a member of the team. Roseman reiterated the value of retaining great players like Brown, stating, "A.J. Brown is a member of the Eagles." This sentiment reflects the organization's desire to keep their star receiver in the fold, even as trade discussions continue.
As the June 1 deadline approaches, attention will turn to both Brown and Smith. With Smith prepared to step into a larger role, the Eagles' offensive dynamics could shift dramatically depending on the outcome of the trade discussions. As Smith continues to focus on his responsibilities, the team and its fans await clarity on Brown's future.
In the interim, Smith's dedication to his craft and his ability to remain composed in the face of uncertainty serve as a model for his teammates and fans alike. The upcoming months will reveal whether Smith can rise to the occasion as the Eagles' top receiver and how the organization navigates the challenges of the offseason.