Overview
- The Eagles completed the trade on June 1, sending Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
- Brown’s exit creates about 121 vacated targets and makes DeVonta Smith the unquestioned No. 1 receiver in Philadelphia’s offense.
- Smith and quarterback Jalen Hurts have a long relationship dating to Alabama that players and reporters say should help on-field communication as Smith assumes a top-role.
- Data-driven work shows Smith ranks among the NFL’s most efficient pass catchers when Brown is off the field, supporting analyst forecasts that he can maintain high production as the primary target.
- The arrival of OC Sean Mannion and the trade-driven target shift have already raised Smith’s dynasty and fantasy value to near first-round prices while adding pressure on supporting receivers and the run-heavy offense to convert volume into big numbers.