The departure of A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles appears to be only a matter of time. The wide receiver has been linked to trade talks with the New England Patriots in a move that could take place in June, bringing an end to a highly productive run in Philadelphia.
While some believe this would represent a huge loss for the Eagles’ offense, former franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb is confident the team already has its next WR1 in DeVonta Smith, and that the move could ultimately benefit all parties involved.
Donovan McNabb Believes Devonta Smith Is the WR1 for the Eagles
The Eagles’ offense has gone through ups and downs in recent seasons, and that inconsistency made Brown’s frustration in 2025 almost inevitable. Between public clashes with the team’s system, which at times even put Jalen Hurts under scrutiny, his relationship with the franchise weakened, and now his departure feels imminent.
That seemingly leaves the WR1 role in Philadelphia open, or at least that’s how part of the media views it. However, former Eagles quarterback McNabb, who played for the team from 1999 to 2009, believes the next face of the passing game is already on the roster in Smith.
During the recent appearance on the “Up & Adams Show,” McNabb made it clear that in his view, Smith has been the team’s top receiver for the past two years.
“DeVonta Smith is the number one receiver on that football team,” McNabb said. “I’ve been saying this for the last two years, and they need to treat them as such now… I think what they’re trying to do is they’re trying to implement more of the quick and intermediate passing game, and they’ve got guys that can stretch the field.”
In 2025, Smith finished ahead of Brown in the PFSN WR Impact Metrics, posting an 81.7 grade compared to Brown’s 80.9, and also led the team in receiving yards with 1,008 to Brown’s 1,003. While the numbers are close, Smith fits the modern WR1 mold, and Philadelphia’s offense appears to be shifting in that direction.
The arrival of Makai Lemon, the team’s first-round pick in the Draft, reinforces the idea that the franchise is building a lighter, faster offense in 2026, embracing the notion that replacing Brown doesn’t require a like-for-like substitute. For McNabb, this transition could be the moment Smith fully takes over.
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“Every receiver wants to be the guy,” McNabb added. “They feel they’re the guy, so now this solidifies it for him that he’s the guy and he’s gonna elevate in that position.”
A potential trade involving Brown could fetch a first-round pick if the Patriots ultimately decide to move forward.
Entering his eighth NFL season, Brown has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in six of his seven years in the league and would immediately become the top target for Drake Maye.
