Eagles see DeVonta Smith jump like Jaxon Smith-Njigba if A.J. Brown traded

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TL;DR

Eagles personnel believe trading A.J. Brown could allow DeVonta Smith to become the team's top receiver, similar to Jaxon Smith-Njigba's rise in Seattle. Smith has already demonstrated his ability to perform in crucial moments, including the Super Bowl.

Eagles see DeVonta Smith jump like Jaxon Smith-Njigba if A.J. Brown traded originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice has the inside scoop on how some Philadelphia Eagles personnel view their wide receiver situation. They think dealing A.J. Brown would open the door for DeVonta Smith to take over completely.

Smith has already shown he can deliver in the biggest spots. He hauled in the dagger during the Super Bowl win. Smith has the tools to step up as the clear number one.

In Kempski's latest piece, he laid out what the organization is thinking about the potential move.

"There are some within the Eagles’ organization who believe that if Brown were no longer with the team that Smith can have a similar jump in production that Jaxon Smith-Njigba had in Seattle once DK Metcalf was out of the way," the reporter wrote.

And that comparison is different when one remembers how JSN led the league after getting the keys to the offense. Smith has the pedigree with the Heisman Trophy and national titles from Alabama. He is wired for this type of opportunity.

Some within Eagles' organization believe DeVonta Smith can have a similar jump in production that Jaxon Smith-Njigba had last year if AJ Brown is traded, per @JimmyKempski. pic.twitter.com/LETN0woeYo

— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) April 14, 2026

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But here's where it gets tricky. Smith and Brown put up pretty similar numbers last season so it's not like one was clearly carrying the other.

I wonder if the jump is automatic just because Brown is gone. Still those insiders are sold on the idea. They believe Smith outplayed Brown in 2025 and the focal point role will let him take off.

The Eagles have been building around this idea with some new additions to the room. It could all come together nicely for Smith.

With the draft coming up fast, this trade talk feels like it is gaining real momentum. I think they've got a shot at turning Smith into the star many want to see.

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Q&A

How would trading A.J. Brown affect DeVonta Smith's performance?

Trading A.J. Brown could significantly increase DeVonta Smith's production, as some Eagles personnel believe he could step up as the clear number one receiver.

What similarities exist between DeVonta Smith and Jaxon Smith-Njigba's situations?

Both players are seen as capable of taking on a larger role in their respective offenses when a star receiver is no longer present, with Smith potentially mirroring Smith-Njigba's rise in production.

What has DeVonta Smith achieved in his career so far?

DeVonta Smith has proven his capability by making key plays, including a crucial reception during the Eagles' Super Bowl victory.