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Regardless of what ultimately happens with the Philadelphia Eagles and A.J. Brown, this feels like the right time to appreciate what fans have witnessed. If this is it, they weren't together long, but there's an argument to be made that this was the best wide receiver duo in franchise history. No disrespect is intended toward DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. None toward Harold Jackson and Ben Hawkins. None toward Fred Barnett and Calvin Williams. Philadelphia has seen some outstanding pass-catching tandems over the decades. Still, if someone argued Brown and DeVonta Smith formed the best wide receiver duo in Eagles history, there may not be a ton of resistance.
They helped deliver a Super Bowl title. Honestly, with a bounce here or there, they might have earned two. If that partnership is nearing its conclusion, Smith's next chapter could become historically significant.
For the first time since his rookie season, Smith may enter a campaign as Philadelphia's unquestioned No. 1 receiver. That means opportunity. It also means history. Even during an offensively uneven offensive season, Smith still delivered in 2025.
He led the Eagles with 1008 receiving yards, marking his third 1,000-yard season in five years. His current franchise rankings are already impressive. He ranks 7th in receptions (385), 10th in receiving yards (5,019), and 12th in receiving touchdowns (32). And now, several Eagles legends are directly in his sights.
A.J. Brown sits immediately ahead of him in receiving yards at 5,034, meaning Smith needs just 16 more yards to pass his longtime running mate. After that? He eyes a who's who of legends:
That's serious company.
Smith would need 1,248 receiving yards to catch Ertz this season, which would require a career year. His current high remains 1,196 yards, set in 2022. Still, with Sean Mannion installing a new offense and Smith likely becoming the focal point of the passing attack, it’s hardly impossible.
Another story for another day asks why Pete Pihos isn't already in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This one asks something simpler. How high can DeVonta Smith climb before Eagles fans fully appreciate they’re watching one of the best receivers this franchise has ever had? Philadelphia may be preparing to turn the page, but DeVonta Smith appears poised to make sure his name is written far deeper into franchise history before anyone finishes the chapter.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: DeVonta Smith could pass Eagles legends in receiving yards in 2026
Continue reading...
They helped deliver a Super Bowl title. Honestly, with a bounce here or there, they might have earned two. If that partnership is nearing its conclusion, Smith's next chapter could become historically significant.
DeVonta Smith is climbing the Eagles’ all-time receiving ladder quickly
For the first time since his rookie season, Smith may enter a campaign as Philadelphia's unquestioned No. 1 receiver. That means opportunity. It also means history. Even during an offensively uneven offensive season, Smith still delivered in 2025.
He led the Eagles with 1008 receiving yards, marking his third 1,000-yard season in five years. His current franchise rankings are already impressive. He ranks 7th in receptions (385), 10th in receiving yards (5,019), and 12th in receiving touchdowns (32). And now, several Eagles legends are directly in his sights.
A.J. Brown sits immediately ahead of him in receiving yards at 5,034, meaning Smith needs just 16 more yards to pass his longtime running mate. After that? He eyes a who's who of legends:
- Bobby Walston — 5,363 yards
- Tommy McDonald — 5,499 yards
- Pete Pihos — 5,619 yards
- Zach Ertz — 6,267 yards
That's serious company.
Smith would need 1,248 receiving yards to catch Ertz this season, which would require a career year. His current high remains 1,196 yards, set in 2022. Still, with Sean Mannion installing a new offense and Smith likely becoming the focal point of the passing attack, it’s hardly impossible.
Another story for another day asks why Pete Pihos isn't already in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This one asks something simpler. How high can DeVonta Smith climb before Eagles fans fully appreciate they’re watching one of the best receivers this franchise has ever had? Philadelphia may be preparing to turn the page, but DeVonta Smith appears poised to make sure his name is written far deeper into franchise history before anyone finishes the chapter.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: DeVonta Smith could pass Eagles legends in receiving yards in 2026
Continue reading...
