Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith has addressed the possibility of the team trading away fellow wide receiver A.J. Brown. Smith responded to questions about Brown’s expected exit before a recent celebrity softball game. He didn’t engage with questions about the potential trade.
Smith’s Measured Response to Trade Speculation
Smith’s response to the trade rumours has been praised. According to The Athletic’s Zach Berman, Smith said, “I got a job to do so I plan to go out there and do that,” when asked about becoming the unquestioned top WR if A.J. Brown is traded. Smith offered no public thoughts on Brown’s status, simply stating, “I just go out there and do my job.”
His approach has been lauded as a way to avoid controversy. Some observers feel Smith’s handling of the situation sets a high bar for dealing with offseason drama. One X user, Joe in PVB, wrote, “And this is why I love DeVonta — avoids controversy, does his job, and comes out on top — he is one of the best picks Eagsleshave ever made.”
Another Eagles fan, Aaron, wrote on X, “True professional. Love Smitty. That’s my WR1.”
Potential Impact on Smith’s Contract
If Brown is traded and Smith becomes the WR1 for the Eagles, it could lead to a significant pay rise for Smith. He signed a 3-year, $75 million contract extension before the 2024 season. The contract is scheduled to pay him $14 million in 2026 and $22 million each in 2027 and 2028.
If Smith plays at an NFL All-Pro level, the Eagles might want to give him an extension that pays him upwards of $30 million per year. That is the type of money Brown makes.
Smith’s Career So Far
Smith was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. He has had three 1,000-yard receiving seasons. However, he has largely been overshadowed by Brown the last four seasons, during which Brown was a three-time NFL All-Pro.
- Smith has never been a Pro Bowler or an NFL All-Pro.
- He is one of only five people to win a college football national championship, Heisman Trophy, and win the Super Bowl.
Not everyone is a fan. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon called Smith the “Most Overpaid Player” on the Eagles’ roster before the 2025 season.
Gagnon wrote, “Smith is a very good player, but he’s a clear-cut No. 2 receiver who has averaged about 1,000 yards per season and never scored more than eight touchdowns in a campaign. Yet his $25 million AAV makes him the 12th-highest-paid player at his position.”
Smith’s contract has guaranteed money that will all be paid following the 2027 season.