Ever since A.J. Brown was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, much has been discussed over his relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts. The two were friends from college and have now won a Super Bowl together despite some bumps along the way.
Brown isn't the only Eagles receiver to have a personal connection with Hurts, though.
When the Eagles traded up to the 10th overall pick in the 2021 Draft, the team was in desperate need of finding a wide receiver they could trust who could eventually become a #1 option in their offense.
They "settled" on DeVonta Smith.
Ever since Smith walked into the team's facility he has been one of the more consistent receivers in team history. He has set an Eagles record for the most receiving yards in his first four years with the team with 4,011.
From the very beginning, Smith's relationship with Hurts has been on full display. To some fans, it may even be a healthier one than the one the Super Bowl MVP has with Brown simply for one reason:
The two actually played together before.
"There were two reasons I went to Alabama," Smith explained on the 7pm in Brooklyn Podcast. "The first was Jalen. I knew if I went there, he would be the quarterback. I think that's why the relationship was so good. When I got drafted to Philly, I was happy as hell. I got my dog here. It made me comfortable being with someone I had that relationship with and had a connection with.
"If I ain't got nothing in this city, I know I got him."
Smith's bond with Hurts has been evident from the very beginning. It was his record-setting rookie season with the quarterback that turned the tide for the franchise after 2021.
It gave the Eagles the guts to trade for Brown and fundamentally change the offense.
With almost any other team, Smith would be the top pass catcher. On the Eagles, he sometimes has to play second-fiddle.
But the kind of person and leader he is shows that the Eagles were right to make him their selection in 2021. And his relationship with the team's quarterback is only getting better.
