Terrell Owens weighed in on A.J. Brown's exit from the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, offering a straightforward take: Brown made the right call for himself, and DeVonta Smith has always been a No. 1 wide receiver.
Owens made the comments during an appearance at the MLBx 3-on-3 competition on July 12. He said Brown "did what was best for him" when discussing the departure, framing it as a business decision rather than a failure by either player or organization. When asked about the Eagles' current receiving corps, Owens said DeVonta Smith has always been a No. 1 wide receiver, according to reporting from Yahoo Sports.
That assessment may carry more weight than a casual endorsement. Owens is one of the most accomplished wide receivers in Eagles history and one of the best the NFL has seen at the position. His read on what separates a genuine top receiver from everything else is grounded in experience.
Smith now leads a receiver room that includes Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, Elijah Moore, rookie Makai Lemon, and several players competing for depth roles. He is no longer sharing the spotlight with a receiver who brought the size and physical profile that made Brown one of the league's most difficult matchups.
The difference for Smith entering 2026 is opportunity. He has long been considered one of the NFL's most polished wideouts based on his route running, hands, and body control. With Brown gone, he moves to the front of the room without competition for the top role.
Owens did not frame Brown's departure as a problem for the Eagles. He did not suggest the team is now at a disadvantage. His comments pointed toward continuity rather than crisis, and his faith in Smith as a player capable of leading a passing attack offers the Eagles' receiver room a credible outside endorsement as the 2026 season approaches.
