Philadelphia, PA – June 12, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles star wide receiver DeVonta Smith has been excused from OTAs and mandatory minicamp for a unique assignment at Alabama, sources told ESPN. Tasked by GM Howie Roseman, Smith is mentoring a rising Crimson Tide talent.
Smith, a 2020 Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama, is training and guiding freshman standout Ryan Williams, who posted 865 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, per Bleacher Report. Williams is a top Eagles draft target for 2026.
The 26-year-old Smith, with 4,011 receiving yards over four NFL seasons, is a cornerstone of Philly’s offense. His Alabama mission focuses on refining Williams’ route-running and conditioning, per Yellowhammer News.
Roseman’s strategy leverages Smith’s Alabama ties to build a talent pipeline, a move echoing his 2021 trade-up to draft Smith, per The Athletic. With $30 million in 2026 cap space, he’s eyeing long-term success, per Spotrac.
Smith’s absence from OTAs, as the Eagles prep for a Super Bowl LIX rematch with Kansas City, has sparked debate. A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts lead the receiver corps, but cohesion is key, per PhillyVoice.
Fans on X are split: “DeVonta mentoring Williams? Genius move!” (@EaglesNation). Others fret: “He needs to be here now!” (@PhillyFanatic). Smith’s 2024 All-Pro season, with 1,216 yards, fuels trust in his return, per NFL.com.
Coach Nick Sirianni backed the plan: “DeVonta’s building our future,” he said, per Bleeding Green Nation. Smith’s Alabama insights could shape Philly’s draft strategy.
As minicamp wraps, Eagles fans await Smith’s return to chase another Super Bowl. Will his mission pay off? Stay tuned to ESPN for updates!
