DeVonta Smith Declares Unwavering Loyalty to Eagles: ‘I Wouldn’t Play for Any Other Team’

Published: May 17, 2025

The Philadelphia Eagles have a cornerstone wide receiver who’s all in for the team’s Super Bowl defense in 2025. DeVonta Smith, a key piece of Philly’s championship roster, made his feelings clear on May 17, 2025, affirming his deep commitment to the organization.

“I wouldn’t play for any team other than the Philadelphia Eagles,” Smith told ESPN, sources confirmed. The 2021 first-round pick (10th overall) from Alabama has been a linchpin for the Eagles since his arrival, amassing 240 career receptions for 3,112 yards and 19 touchdowns over four seasons. In 2024, he posted 81 catches for 1,067 yards and 7 touchdowns, cementing his role as a reliable WR2 alongside A.J. Brown.

Smith’s declaration comes at a pivotal time for the Eagles, who are fresh off a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX rout of the Chiefs. Despite interest from other teams during his 2024 contract extension talks, Smith signed a three-year, $75 million deal, per Spotrac, with a 2025 cap hit of $15.6 million—lower than expected for a player of his caliber. “We’re thrilled to have DeVonta locked in,” said GM Howie Roseman. “His loyalty and talent are invaluable.”

Concerns about Smith’s durability surfaced early in his career due to his slender 6-foot, 170-pound frame, and he missed two games in 2023 with a hamstring injury. Scouts also noted his struggles against physical press coverage, a key trait in Vic Fangio’s system, per NFL.com. Yet, Smith’s elite route-running and speed—clocking a 4.38-second 40-yard dash—silenced doubters, with 15 contested catches in 2024, per PFF.

The Eagles needed a committed WR1/WR2 tandem after trading DeVante Parker and losing Quez Watkins to free agency. Smith joins A.J. Brown and newcomer Jahan Dotson, aiming to bolster an offense that dominated with Jalen Hurts’ precision and Saquon Barkley’s 2,005 rushing yards in 2024. “I’m here to win more rings with this team,” Smith told reporters. “Philly is home.”

With Hurts’ 3,701-yard, 23-touchdown season and Barkley’s explosive output, the Eagles are Super Bowl LX favorites. Smith’s loyalty gives Roseman cap flexibility to pursue veterans like Jordan Whitehead, while his chemistry with Hurts could be key against rivals like the Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field.