Eagles’ DeVonta Smith: ‘I’m just going out there and do my job’

DeVonta Smith isn't altering his mindset as he steps into the spotlight as the Philadelphia Eagles' primary receiving target. The former Alabama standout remains focused on the fundamentals following the high-profile departure of his teammate.

A New Look in Philadelphia

The Eagles franchise underwent a major roster shift on Monday, trading AJ Brown to the New England Patriots. The duo had been the most productive wide receiver pair in the NFL over the past four years, combining for a massive statistical impact. Since 2022, Brown tallied 339 catches for 5,034 yards and 32 touchdowns, while Smith recorded 321 receptions for 4,103 yards and 26 scores.

Despite the change in the depth chart, Smith is staying grounded. Speaking after practice on Tuesday, the star receiver dismissed the idea of needing to change his routine. "I’m going to do the same thing I’ve been doing," Smith said. "I’m just going out there and do my job... regardless however you want to look at it, one, two, three, four... in the end, we all have jobs that we got to go out there and do."

Reflecting on the Departure

While Smith admits he will miss the brotherhood and relationship he built with Brown, he maintains a professional outlook on the trade. "Business is business. I don’t got no say-so in that," he noted, adding that he will always cherish what they accomplished together on and off the field.

Building for the Future

Philadelphia has been active in reshaping its receiving corps to offset the loss of Brown. The organization utilized a first-round pick on Makai Lemon, traded for Dontayvion Wicks, and added free agents Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore. The team also drafted Vanderbilt standout Eli Stowers to bolster the tight end group alongside Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra. The roster remains deep, including former Athens High standout Quez Watkins.

Smith is optimistic about the healthy competition brewing within the locker room. "I think when you have a room like the one we have, it brings the best out in everybody else," he said. "We’re all there to help each other, but, ultimately, we’re there to compete for a position."

As Smith prepares for his sixth NFL season, he is also navigating a new offensive playbook under offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. According to Smith, the installation process is moving along smoothly as the team fine-tunes its scheme. The Eagles are scheduled to wrap up their current practice phase on June 10 before breaking for the summer.

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