‘Yeah, of course he is’ — Steve Smith strongly answers primary question for Eagles if they trade A.J. Brown
The Eagles could move on from their 1A wide receiver, but 1B could be ready to take a step forward. At least, that’s what one former All-Pro thinks.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ offseason has been driven by a question that seemingly has dragged on forever: will they or won’t they trade wide receiver A.J. Brown this offseason?
A reunion between Brown and his head coach at Tennessee, Mike Vrabel, in New England has been the long-rumored end result for Brown if he ends up getting shipped out of town. Those negotiations have taken place, but much progress doesn’t seem to have been made.
Still, a deal could end up coming to fruition after June 1. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano on Friday morning, the expectation is that Brown will be traded as early as next week after June 1 passes, with New England being the most likely destination.
Steve Smith, Sr. was then asked if DeVonta Smith was ready to become a number one receiver in the absence of Brown.
Steve Smith says DeVonta Smith is a No. 1 receiver and will step up if A.J. Brown is traded to New England
“Yeah, of course he is,” Smith said. “He’s been waiting and biding, chomping at the bit for his opportunity. A.J. Brown is an alpha, and I would say he’s a 1a. DeVonta Smith is 1b, and then when you look at the Philadelphia Eagles and why they are doing all of the things at the wide receiver — they are setting the stage understanding that A.J. Brown will not be there. DeVonta Smith, he’s a number one wide receiver. He’s been waiting for that opportunity. He runs great routes. They move him all over the field.
“He’s going to shine and show you that he’s a hell of a wide receiver.”
Smith has looked to the eye like a guy who can lead an offense himself. He’s appeared in 16 or more games in four of his five seasons and cracked 1000 yards in three of five.
He certainly won’t have to do it himself either, as he could eventually end up having his own 1b to being the Eagles 1a in the near future. Philadelphia undercut Pittsburgh on the first night of the draft to select USC star Makai Lemon, who should have a quick impact on the Eagles’ offense.
In any event, the Eagles’ offense should be in good hands even if Brown ends up getting shipped out in the coming days or weeks.