Contract extensions have been the norm for the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. Landon Dickerson and Jordan Mailata received massive extensions from the Eagles, solidifying the future of the offensive line for years to come.
DeVonta Smith could be next, as the Eagles and their two-time 1,000-yard receiver are in talks for a contract extension for the 2021 first-round pick. Smith has one year remaining on his rookie contract and an option to fifth year which will be exercised in May, so there is enough time to reach an agreement between the two parties.
What will a Smith extension look like and how will it impact the Eagles’ future at wide receiver? An important part of the Eagles offense, Philadelphia will ensure that Smith catches passes for the Eagles for the next decade.
Smith’s numbers compared to his peers
Smith has 240 catches for 3,178 yards and 19 touchdowns in his three NFL seasons, two of which he was the No. 2 wide receiver to AJ Brown (who has the two highest single-season receiving yard totals). in franchise history). Smith is 18th in receptions, 17th in receiving yards and 21st in receiving touchdowns over the last three seasons. He is fourth in the 2021 draft class in receptions, receiving yards and third in touchdowns.
In Eagles franchise history, Smith has the most catches and receiving yards for any player through his first three seasons in the league. He is tied for fourth in touchdowns, while joining DeSean Jackson and Mike Quick as the only players to have two 1,000-yard seasons in their first three years in the league.
Smith is off to the best start for an Eagles receiver in franchise history.
Wide receiver contracts for the 2020 and 2021 draft class
No players from the 2020 or 2021 draft class have signed a contract extension yet, but that is expected to change soon. Justin Jefferson is on track to become the highest-paid receiver in football, while CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk are both poised to pursue fifth-year options. These are the best players in the 2020 class and none have signed long-term extensions.
The 2020 class’ lack of long-term deals has affected the 2021 class of Ja’Marr Chase, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jaylen Waddle and Smith – all of whom are awaiting extensions.
Smith could be the first to sign – and set the market for other wideouts.
The highest paid wide receivers in the NFL
Tyreek Hill makes the most money among receivers in terms of average annual salary at $30 million per season, followed by Davante Adams ($28 million), Cooper Kupp ($26.7 million), AJ Brown ( $25 million) and DK Metcalf ($24 million). ).
What could a Smith deal look like?
Will Smith receive more than his own teammate (Brown)? The Eagles are expected to pay Smith more than $25 million per season, which would make him one of the five highest-paid players in the NFL. The deal would be a bargain with Jefferson, Lamb, Aiyuk, Chase, St. Brown and Waddle all expected to be extended – as all could exceed $25 million and put Smith among the 15 highest-paid wide receivers when all is said and done and do.
Michael Pittman received $23.3 million this offseason, while Calvin Ridley earned $23 million. Tee Higgins is on a $21.816 million franchise tag and Stefon Diggs is in the final year of his contract at $22.52 million.
The Eagles and Smith could hit a sweet spot between $23.31 million and $25 million at this point, but that could change soon.
Will a Smith extension impact AJ Brown?
If Smith were paid more than $25 million per year, that would represent a higher average annual salary than Brown, third in receiving yards (2,952) and sixth in receiving touchdowns (18) over the last two seasons. Brown is also first in yards per catch (15.2) among players with more than 175 catches.
Brown has three years remaining on his current four-year, $100 million contract – but no guaranteed salary after this year ($21 million guaranteed salary after 2024). Whether Smith gets an extension or not, the Eagles may have to make a decision on Brown’s contract and whether to create more guaranteed money for him for 2025 and 2026.
Next season likely isn’t Brown’s last with the Eagles, but the franchise will need to make changes to his contract for the 2025 season and beyond. This decision will have to be made regardless of Smith’s upcoming extension.
