​Terrell Owens has long known what it takes to excel at elite wide receiver play, understand the pressures that come with stardom, and grasp what it means to shoulder enormous expectations in Philadelphia. That insight makes his take on A.J. Brown’s departure from the Eagles worth weighing. Owens, a legend among franchise and NFL receivers, said Brown “did what was best for him” when discussing the former Eagles star’s move away from Philadelphia. It’s a practical stance from someone who understands the business side of football as well as anyone.
Brown’s exit undoubtedly altered the Eagles’ receiving corps, but Owens did not frame the situation as if Philadelphia suddenly lacked a true top option. When asked about the current group, Owens maintained that DeVonta Smith has always been a No. 1 wide receiver. That, perhaps, is the most crucial element of his assessment. Smith isn’t sharing top billing with Brown any longer, but this marks the latest instance in which he has been asked to prove he can lead a passing attack. His route running, body control, dependable hands, and consistent play have long established him as one of the NFL’s most polished receivers. The key difference entering 2026 is opportunity. Smith now stands at the forefront of a reshaped room that includes Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, Elijah Moore, rookie Makai Lemon, and several other receivers competing for depth roles.
Owens’ remarks also serve as a helpful reminder. Brown’s departure shouldn’t be read as a referendum on the Eagles or on Smith. Brown chose what he believed was best for his career, and Philadelphia must now build around the talent that remains. The Eagles may not have another receiver who perfectly matches Brown’s unique blend of size, strength, and production, but they still possess a player whom Owens has long believed belonged in the No. 1 conversation. That endorsement carries weight. For Smith, the test is converting that belief into another productive season as the clear leader of Philadelphia’s wide receiver corps.
This perspective comes from a conversation that adds context to the changing dynamic in Philadelphia’s receiving group. It underscores that Brown’s departure shifts the room, but does not erase the potential for continued success. Smith’s elevation to the top role will be the defining storyline as the Eagles navigate a revamped depth chart, balancing the added opportunity with the ongoing expectation that he can carry the franchise’s aerial attack. This analysis originally appeared on Eagles Wire, highlighting Owens’ candid take on A.J. Brown’s exit and what it means for DeVonta Smith and the Eagles’ receiving corps moving forward.