Should I Start DeVonta Smith?

Monday, April 13, 5:40 AM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is a former Heisman Trophy winner and 2021 first-round pick, and while he's generally recognized as one of the best pure separators in the league, he's had a fantasy finish inside the WR20 only once in his five-year career. His 9.6 Half-PPR points per game in 2025 were the lowest since his rookie season, and yet, even set to turn 28 during the 2026 season, he could be one of the smartest buys in dynasty. Jalen Hurts is owed no guaranteed money beyond this season, and very public rumblings from Philadelphia's front office have implied they want to see a marked improvement in quarterback play before reinvesting in him. Saquon Barkley, now 29, has entered a stage of his career where workload considerations may become a factor. But perhaps most importantly, more and more writing on the wall has suggested that AJ Brown has played his last down with the Eagles. Should Brown be traded after June 1st, as many around the league are expecting, the path would clear for Smith to assume a true alpha role for the first time since he was a 22-year-old rookie.