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Eagles Trade A.J. Brown, Install Shanahan, Promote Smith

7/16/2026

32 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Eagles traded A.J. Brown to Patriots, making DeVonta Smith WR1.
Sean Mannion, the Eagles’ OC, will install a Shanahan system that puts Jalen Hurts under center after his rush attempts fell from 165 in 2024 to 105 last season.
Dallas Goedert returns on a 2026 deal as TE1 with 60 catches, 591 yards and 11 TDs.
Smith has averaged 1,000 yards per season and could see 140-150 targets in 2026.

History

Historical Context

Mike Shanahan became Denver’s head coach in 1995 and guided the Broncos to consecutive Super Bowl titles in the 1997 and 1998 seasons, posting a 46-10 record from 1996-98. The Eagles’ 2026 decision to install a Shanahan-style zone-run offense echoes that turnaround, aiming to shift Jalen Hurts to a pocket role and reshape the NFC East.

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Story summary

Eagles traded A.J. Brown to Patriots, making DeVonta Smith WR1.
Sean Mannion, the Eagles’ OC, will install a Shanahan system that puts Jalen Hurts under center after his rush attempts fell from 165 in 2024 to 105 last season.
Dallas Goedert returns on a 2026 deal as TE1 with 60 catches, 591 yards and 11 TDs.
Smith has averaged 1,000 yards per season and could see 140-150 targets in 2026.

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