Eagles Sign Stone Smartt to 1-Year Deal as 2026 Roster Overhaul Continues

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles secured more offensive depth Thursday, signing former New York Jets tight end Stone Smartt to a one-year contract. The move comes as General Manager Howie Roseman aggressively reshapes a roster still reeling from a 23-19 Wild Card exit against the San Francisco 49ers last January.

The Swiss Army Knife Arrives in Philly

Smartt isn’t your typical blocking tight end. The 27-year-old converted quarterback brings a specific brand of versatility that Philadelphia has lacked since the “Philly Special” era. While he only recorded 7 catches for 52 yards with the Jets in 2025, his value lies in his ability to execute trick packages and contribute heavily on special teams. He logged 138 special teams snaps last season, proving he can do the dirty work while providing a high-ceiling option for new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.

This signing follows a flurry of activity at the NovaCare Complex. Just 48 hours ago, the Eagles traded a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Carolina Panthers for veteran signal-caller Andy Dalton. The move effectively solidifies the quarterback room behind Jalen Hurts, providing a seasoned mentor that the team lacked during the late-season slide of 2025. Roseman is clearly prioritizing “football IQ” this spring, bringing in players like Smartt and Dalton who understand complex defensive rotations.

“We’re looking for guys who can play multiple roles. Stone has that background. He sees the field like a quarterback because he was one. That’s a weapon you can’t coach.”
— Nick Sirianni, Eagles Head Coach

The AJ Brown Elephant in the Room

While the Smartt signing adds depth, the city remains fixated on the brewing storm surrounding All-Pro receiver AJ Brown. Rumors of a trade to the New England Patriots reached a fever pitch Friday after Brown was spotted training with new Patriots safety Kevin Byard. Despite the noise, a deal before June 1 remains unlikely due to a massive $43.45 million dead cap hit the Eagles would have to swallow. For now, it’s a high-stakes staring contest between Roseman and the Patriots front office.

The 2026 Eagles offense will look vastly different regardless of the Brown situation. After firing Kevin Patullo in January, the team is transitioning to Mannion’s system, which players like Lane Johnson suggest will mirror the 49ers’ heavy-zone scheme. The goal is simple: maximize Saquon Barkley and reduce the isolation-heavy play-calling that stalled the offense in 2025. With the NFL Draft set for late April, expect the Eagles to continue hunting for offensive line insurance and a potential replacement for Brown should the “inevitable” trade materialize this summer.