A J Brown Trade Talk Meets DeVonta Smith's Firm Response
DeVonta Smith would not weigh in on a possible a j brown trade before a recent celebrity softball game, instead saying he planned to keep working. The Eagles wide receiver kept his answer short as Brown’s status fed offseason talk around Philadelphia’s pass-catching group.
Smith Sticks to the Job
“I got a job to do so I plan to go out there and do that,” Smith said when asked about Brown’s expected exit. He followed that by saying, “I just go out there and do my job.”
That response left no public opinion on Brown’s status, only a clear line from Smith about how he intends to handle the uncertainty. Brown is an NFL All-Pro wide receiver, and any move involving him would shift the Eagles’ wide receiver hierarchy.
Brown and Smith's Roles
Smith signed a 3-year, $75 million contract extension before the 2024 season, with $14 million due in 2026 and $22 million each in 2027 and 2028. All of the guaranteed money in that deal will be paid after the 2027 season.
He was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft and has the third 1,000-yard receiving season of his career in 2025. Brown, meanwhile, was a 3-time NFL All-Pro over the last 4 seasons, while Smith has never been a Pro Bowler or an NFL All-Pro.
Before the 2025 season, Brad Gagnon described Smith as the Eagles’ “Most Overpaid Player,” writing, “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.” He added, “Yet his $25 million AAV makes him the 12th-highest-paid player at his position.”
Smith is one of only 5 people to win a college football national championship, Heisman Trophy, and Super Bowl. If Brown is moved, Smith’s next stretch would place even more weight on a contract that already puts him in the middle of the Eagles’ future planning.
Eagles Receiver Hierarchy
That is the part of the trade talk that matters most for Philadelphia. Brown’s possible exit would leave Smith as the team’s top wide receiver, and his answer before the softball game showed no interest in adding to the noise.
