Philadelphia, PA – May 30, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles have raised eyebrows as star wide receiver DeVonta Smith skips OTAs, assigned by GM Howie Roseman for a special mission at Alabama, sources told ESPN. Smith is serving as both a scout and mentor for a rising talent.
Smith, a former Alabama standout (2017-2020), has been tasked with training and mentoring Ryan Williams, a promising Crimson Tide wide receiver. Williams, with 865 yards and 8 touchdowns as a freshman in 2024, is a future Eagles target.
Smith, who won the 2020 Heisman Trophy with 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns at Alabama, is now a cornerstone for the Eagles, amassing 4,011 yards over four NFL seasons, per Bleacher Report.
His mission in Tampa involves coaching Williams on route-running and conditioning, per Yellowhammer News. It’s part of Roseman’s strategy to build connections with college talent, ensuring a pipeline for the Eagles’ future.
The Eagles, with a receiver corps featuring Smith, A.J. Brown, and Jalen Hurts, are in OTAs prepping for a Super Bowl LIX rematch against the Chiefs. Smith’s absence has sparked debate, though Roseman sees it as a long-term investment.
Fans on X are divided: “Smith mentoring Williams? Smart move for the future!” one tweeted. “But he needs to be with the team now!” another worried, fearing a lack of cohesion.
Roseman, with $28 million in cap space, is known for strategic moves, like trading up for Smith in 2021, per The Athletic. This assignment underscores his vision for talent development.
As OTAs continue, Eagles fans hope Smith’s return brings insights from Alabama, propelling the team toward a 2025 Super Bowl. Follow the Eagles on X for updates.
