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5 Best Wide Receivers in Philadelphia Eagles History

Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson makes a contested catch against the Atlanta Falcons.Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

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5 Best Wide Receivers in Philadelphia Eagles History

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jul 19, 2026 6:49 AM ET

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Whether it was Harold Carmichael in the 1970s or the more recent duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, the Philadelphia Eagles have seen their fair share of top-tier pass catchers.

But in nearly 100 years of existence, who are the greatest wide receivers ever to wear an Eagles uniform? To determine our rankings, we factored in counting stats, team success, and the context of their time in Philadelphia.

And while Pro Football Hall of Famers Terrell Owens and Cris Carter spent two and three seasons in Philly, respectively, it wasn't a large enough body of work to justify a top-five spot here. Even HOFer Tommy McDonald just missed the cut.

Did we get this list right?

5. Mike Quick (1982-1990)

The No. 20 pick in 1982, Quick totaled 363 catches (11th in franchise history), 6,464 yards (4th), and 61 touchdowns (t-3rd) in nine years with Philly. He was a two-time first-team All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowler, thriving with Ron Jaworski throwing his way.

Most notably, Quick had a game-winning 99-yard touchdown catch in 1985. Talk about an exciting way to end overtime. Unfortunately for Quick, he retired following his age-31 season because of severe patella tendinitis.

4. DeVonta Smith (2021-Present)

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith hauls in a pass over a Denver Broncos defender.Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Smith is only five seasons in, but he’s more than earned his spot on the list. The No. 10 pick in 2021 -- and the greatest Alabama wideout in history -- Smith already has 5,019 yards and 31 touchdowns in five seasons with Jalen Hurts under center.

Smith has also proved valuable in the postseason, hauling in 51 catches for 665 yards and two scores. The most recent touchdown came in his team's Super Bowl LIX victory over the Chiefs, which only helps his case.

3. A.J. Brown (2022-2025)

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown runs with the football after a catch against the Minnesota Vikings.Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Assuming that Brown doesn’t return to Philly down the road, he’ll end his Eagles career with 339 catches, 5,034 yards, and 32 touchdowns.

While that hardly cracks the top 10 in franchise history in those categories, they're impressive totals over a dominant four-year stretch as one of the NFL's elites.

Plus, the Eagles would not have reached the postseason in three of the last four years without Brown, and they certainly wouldn’t have won the Super Bowl.

Brown did his part in the playoffs, hauling in 44 catches for 623 yards and five touchdowns, including in both Super Bowls. Had he remained in Philadelphia, he’d have had a legitimate chance to challenge the No. 1 spot on this list someday.

2. DeSean Jackson (2008-13; 2019-20)

What would have happened had Chip Kelly not gotten aggressive and parted ways with Jackson? The move didn’t make sense at the time, and it’s aged incredibly poorly, especially with how beloved Jackson remains among Eagles fans.

A 2008 second-round pick, Jackson topped 1,000 yards three times in his first six Eagles seasons. He earned Pro Bowl honors all three years, and let’s not forget his special-teams prowess. Just ask the New York Giants, who were victims of the Miracle at the New Meadowlands in 2010.

Oh, Matt Dodge, why would you even consider kicking to D-Jax?

Jackson returned to the Eagles in 2019, recording 23 catches for three touchdowns over eight games across the next two seasons. Today, he ranks third on the franchise's all-time receiving list with 6,512 yards.

1. Harold Carmichael (1971-1983)

Philadelphia Eagles receiver Harold Carmichael makes a catch at Lambeau Field. Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK

Carmichael remains the Eagles’ leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. How would he not be No. 1? Granted, Jackson was on pace to surpass Carmichael, but then Chip Kelly had to get involved and ruin the fun.

After beginning his career at tight end, Carmichael moved to receiver and spent several years as a solid, reliable starter. Then came Jaworski’s arrival in 1978, and that’s when Carmichael’s career took off.

Over the next four seasons, Carmichael averaged 54 catches, 947 yards, and nine touchdowns. He also shined in the playoffs, recording 29 catches, 465 yards, and six scores in seven postseason outings. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.