4 reasons DeVonta Smith could be named a first-time All-Pro in 2026
4 reasons DeVonta Smith could be named a first-time All-Pro in 2026
Geoffrey A Knox, Eagles WireThu, June 11, 2026 at 4:31 PM UTC
0
4 reasons DeVonta Smith could be named a first-time All-Pro in 2026
Some players wait years for everything to align. The talent is there. The opportunity eventually arrives. Then, if timing and circumstances cooperate, a special season follows. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith may be approaching one of those moments.
The former Heisman Trophy winner has already established himself as one of the NFL's most polished receivers. He owns a franchise rookie receiving record, a Super Bowl ring, and more than 5,000 career receiving yards. Yet despite all of that success, he has never been named to a Pro Bowl. That could change in 2026, but what if we discussed loftier ambitions? What if Smith's 2026-27 regular season ended with a First-Team All-Pro mention?
It could. Here are four reasons why it might happen.
1. Sean Mannion's offense could unlock another level
The Eagles' offense is expected to evolve under Sean Mannion. Play-action concepts. More pre-snap motion. Jalen Hurts is operating under center more frequently. Expanded route combinations designed to stress defenses in new ways.
Those ideas should excite Eagles fans. Let's be honest. They had most of us at 'Jalen Hurts under center' and 'more play action.'
No disrespect is intended toward Shane Steichen or Kellen Moore. Both coordinated successful offenses in Philadelphia. Still, there is genuine curiosity about what Mannion brings to the table and how it might create additional opportunities for one of the league's premier route runners.
Smith's ability to separate has never been in question. If the offense becomes more creative, the opportunities could grow even further, and no Eagles fan would have any complaints.
Advertisement
2. A.J. Brown's departure changes everything
For much of his Eagles tenure, Smith shared the spotlight with one of the NFL's most dominant receivers. That's a blessing and a curse. Brown's presence helped create favorable matchups, but even though this is the greatest team sport in the world, it also limited Smith's opportunities for individual recognition.
There were seasons when Smith played at a Pro Bowl level, only to watch Brown receive the headlines, accolades, and All-Pro votes. Now, Brown is gone. Smith enters the season as Philadelphia's unquestioned top receiver, and with that comes more targets, more production opportunities, and more national attention.
3. Jalen Hurts is a better quarterback now
Smith and Hurts have been connected since Smith's first NFL catch in Week 1 of the 2021 season. That went for six points, by the way. These two have grown together. Back then, Hurts was still developing as a passer. Today, he's a Super Bowl champion, a proven winner, and one of the NFL's most accomplished quarterbacks.
Reports also suggest he's continuing to refine his anticipation and timing as a thrower. That's significant. A more advanced Hurts, paired with a larger role for Smith, could create fireworks.
4. Winning influences voters and award recipients
The NFL's biggest individual honors often follow team success. Fair or unfair, voters tend to reward players on winning teams. The Eagles should once again be among the NFC's elite, and they'll have no shortage of nationally televised games.
Prime-time performances carry weight. Signature moments stay fresh in voters' minds. If Smith delivers in those spots while helping Philadelphia pile up victories, his candidacy becomes much stronger. The talent has always been there.
The respect from teammates and coaches has never wavered. What may finally be arriving is the opportunity. If everything breaks right, Eagles fans could be watching the first All-Pro season of DeVonta Smith's career unfold in real time.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 4 reasons DeVonta Smith could be named a first-time All-Pro in 2026
Source: “AOL Sports”
