Saints and Smith agree to new contract
Saints defensive end WIll Smith on Wednesday agreed to a six-year, $70 million contract extension that makes him the third-highest paid end in the NFL, his agent said.
A league source said the contract includes $26 million in guaranteed money.
“The Saints really stepped up,” said Smith’s agent Joel Segal. “They continue to sign their core players as they demonstrate a strong commitment to winning.”
Smith’s salary, coming one year after the Saints signed fellow defensive end Charles Grant to an extension that could eventually be worth $70 million, trails only Vikings defensive end Jared Allen and Colts end Dwight Freeney.
A first-round draft choice in 2004, the 18th overall selection, Smith was selected to the Pro Bowl following the 2006 season when he recorded 10.5 sacks. Last season, with opposing defenses often double-teaming him, Smith had just seven.
nola.com
6/11/08
