Philadelphia — Receiver DeVonta Smith is a good candidate for the Eagles’ next major contract deal.
This offseason, the front management has been busy signing core players to long-term contracts. To now, offensive linemen have reaped the greatest benefits. Guard Landon Dickerson signed a record-breaking four-year, $84 million extension in March, while tackle Jordan Mailata signed a three-year, $66 million contract earlier this month.
However, Philadelphia has a long history of signing key players as soon as possible, in part because they understand the price will only rise. With a handful of top-tier receivers available for new contracts, like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, there’s certainly an added motivation to work something out with Smith before the market resets.
Still, Smith’s new contract will need to be substantial in order to make sense, given that an extension would likely keep the 25-year-old under contract until the 2028 season.
The top of the market may be a reach; Miami Dolphins standout Tyreek Hill presently holds that title with an average annual contract of $30 million, but it would be no surprise.
The attention has shifted to one of their most key skill position players. The Eagles are working behind the scenes to make something happen with 25-year-old Smith. Contract talks are still ongoing, according to people familiar with the negotiations, and there is widespread optimism that a deal will be reached soon.
“DeVonta is an incredible person, incredible player; obviously homegrown, young guy,” general manager Howie Roseman said at the scouting combine in February, when asked how important it was to extend Smith to a contract extension this offseason. “Without getting into specifics, those are guys you don’t really want to leave.”
Smith, the 10th overall choice in the 2020 draft, has accumulated 240 catches for 3,178 yards and 19 touchdowns in three seasons.
However, Philadelphia has a long history of signing key players as soon as possible, in part because they understand the price will only rise. With a handful of top-tier receivers available for new contracts, like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, there’s certainly an added motivation to work something out with Smith before the market resets.
Still, Smith’s new contract will need to be substantial in order to make sense, given that an extension would likely keep the 25-year-old under contract until the 2028 season.
The top of the market may be a reach; Miami Dolphins standout Tyreek Hill presently holds that title with an average annual contract of $30 million, but it would be no surprise.
