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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts expressed strong confidence in wide receiver DeVonta Smith on Wednesday as the former first-round pick prepares for what could become the most prominent role of his NFL career.
Speaking during organized team activities, Hurts reflected on Smith's evolution since arriving in Philadelphia while emphasizing the confidence the organization continues to place in one of the league's most consistent receivers.
The comments arrive during an offseason filled with speculation surrounding A.J. Brown and his long-term future with the organization. If Brown ultimately departs, Smith would assume the unquestioned role as Philadelphia's top wide receiver entering a season expected to feature significant offensive changes under Sean Mannion.
Smith, however, has shown little interest in engaging publicly with hypothetical discussions regarding roster uncertainty. When asked recently by The Athletic's Zach Berman about potentially becoming the Eagles' clear No. 1 receiver, Smith maintained the same steady approach that has defined much of his career.
He later reinforced the same message when declining to address Brown's situation directly.
The response mirrored the professionalism and consistency that have helped Smith become one of Philadelphia's foundational offensive pieces since arriving as a first-round selection in 2021. Long before A.J. Brown arrived, Smith immediately established himself as a major contributor, setting the Eagles' rookie receiving record with 916 yards during his first season while surpassing a mark previously held by DeSean Jackson. One year later, Smith recorded 95 receptions, establishing a franchise single-season record for catches by a wide receiver.
Over his first three NFL seasons, Smith totaled 240 receptions for 3,178 yards and 19 touchdowns while helping Philadelphia reach two Super Bowls. Since signing his contract extension, Smith has continued to produce at a high level despite playing in an offense frequently built around multiple playmakers. During the Eagles' Super Bowl season in 2024, Smith recorded 68 receptions for 833 yards and eight touchdowns before following that production with 77 catches for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns in 2025.
Over those two years, Smith accumulated 145 receptions for 1,841 yards and 12 touchdowns while remaining one of the league's more efficient route runners and reliable possession targets.
The production also compares favorably with many of the NFL's top receiving duos.
Since signing his extension, Smith has ranked among the league leaders in receiving production, placing the Eagles alongside receiving tandems such as Detroit's Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, as well as Dallas' pairing of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Philadelphia views Smith as far more than a complementary piece.
The former Alabama standout has consistently delivered regardless of role, quarterback pressure, or offensive structure, and his importance to the organization could increase further as the Eagles continue to reshape portions of the offense under Mannion. Hurts' comments reflected the trust developed between the two players over multiple seasons together.
That familiarity could become increasingly important as Philadelphia installs a philosophically different offense expected to feature more motion, expanded play-action concepts, and greater schematic flexibility entering 2026.
Whether Brown remains with the organization or not, Smith's place within the offense appears firmly established.
The Eagles believe they already know exactly what type of player and teammate they have in him.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jalen Hurts praises Eagles WR DeVonta Smith's growth now
Continue reading...
Speaking during organized team activities, Hurts reflected on Smith's evolution since arriving in Philadelphia while emphasizing the confidence the organization continues to place in one of the league's most consistent receivers.
The comments arrive during an offseason filled with speculation surrounding A.J. Brown and his long-term future with the organization. If Brown ultimately departs, Smith would assume the unquestioned role as Philadelphia's top wide receiver entering a season expected to feature significant offensive changes under Sean Mannion.
Smith, however, has shown little interest in engaging publicly with hypothetical discussions regarding roster uncertainty. When asked recently by The Athletic's Zach Berman about potentially becoming the Eagles' clear No. 1 receiver, Smith maintained the same steady approach that has defined much of his career.
He later reinforced the same message when declining to address Brown's situation directly.
The response mirrored the professionalism and consistency that have helped Smith become one of Philadelphia's foundational offensive pieces since arriving as a first-round selection in 2021. Long before A.J. Brown arrived, Smith immediately established himself as a major contributor, setting the Eagles' rookie receiving record with 916 yards during his first season while surpassing a mark previously held by DeSean Jackson. One year later, Smith recorded 95 receptions, establishing a franchise single-season record for catches by a wide receiver.
Over his first three NFL seasons, Smith totaled 240 receptions for 3,178 yards and 19 touchdowns while helping Philadelphia reach two Super Bowls. Since signing his contract extension, Smith has continued to produce at a high level despite playing in an offense frequently built around multiple playmakers. During the Eagles' Super Bowl season in 2024, Smith recorded 68 receptions for 833 yards and eight touchdowns before following that production with 77 catches for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns in 2025.
Over those two years, Smith accumulated 145 receptions for 1,841 yards and 12 touchdowns while remaining one of the league's more efficient route runners and reliable possession targets.
The production also compares favorably with many of the NFL's top receiving duos.
Since signing his extension, Smith has ranked among the league leaders in receiving production, placing the Eagles alongside receiving tandems such as Detroit's Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, as well as Dallas' pairing of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Philadelphia views Smith as far more than a complementary piece.
The former Alabama standout has consistently delivered regardless of role, quarterback pressure, or offensive structure, and his importance to the organization could increase further as the Eagles continue to reshape portions of the offense under Mannion. Hurts' comments reflected the trust developed between the two players over multiple seasons together.
That familiarity could become increasingly important as Philadelphia installs a philosophically different offense expected to feature more motion, expanded play-action concepts, and greater schematic flexibility entering 2026.
Whether Brown remains with the organization or not, Smith's place within the offense appears firmly established.
The Eagles believe they already know exactly what type of player and teammate they have in him.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jalen Hurts praises Eagles WR DeVonta Smith's growth now
Continue reading...
