With A.J. Brown’s trade to the Patriots executed this week, left tackle Jordan Mailata says DeVonta Smith is ready to take over the Eagles’ No. 1 role—adding that Smith has always led in the locker room, even without a captain’s patch.
Philadelphia’s offense took a jolt this week when the Eagles’ trade of A.J. Brown to the Patriots was finally executed. For the roster and the depth chart, it creates a visible gap at the top—one Jordan Mailata doesn’t believe will change anything inside the building.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the Eagles left tackle said DeVonta Smith is already prepared to step into the spotlight. Mailata’s message was direct: “He’s always been a No. 1 receiver. Nothing has changed for Smitty,” he said. Through the trade news and the uncertainty it brings. he insisted the Eagles’ identity at receiver hasn’t been rebuilt from scratch.
Mailata also pointed to the kind of leadership he says has been present from Smith for years. even when the captain’s patch wasn’t there. “Smitty’s always led from the front. So that narrative, we can shut that down now, because Smitty’s always led from the front. Just because he never wore that captain’s patch the last two years. didn’t mean that he wasn’t a captain in the locker room.”.
When asked about what might come next, Mailata didn’t talk about a newcomer earning the role. He framed it as recognition for something he believes has been true all along: “But he always led from the front. and that’s why I’m calling it now. when he wears that captain’s patch this year. there’s no surprise. He’s always been a captain in my eyes. just from the way he’s led. the way he’s always gone about his business on and off the field. So he’s just awesome.”.
Smith’s production has given weight to the point. The receiver, the No. 10 overall pick of the 2021 draft, has topped 1,000 yards in three of his five seasons. In 2025, he caught 77 passes for 1,008 yards with four touchdowns.
The sequence here is clear on the surface: A.J. Brown’s departure becomes official this week, while Mailata insists Smith’s role is already established. The gap created by personnel moves doesn’t translate. in Mailata’s view. into a gap in leadership or in expectations. With Smith already delivering 1. 000-yard seasons at a steady pace. the question for the Eagles shifts from who can be the No. 1 to whether that recognition will finally show up in the small visible details—like the captain’s patch Mailata expects him to wear this year.
Philadelphia Eagles Jordan Mailata DeVonta Smith A.J. Brown Patriots trade executed No. 1 receiver captain’s patch 2025 statistics