New DeVonta Smith extension will affect far more than just the Eagles
And, just like that, the ripple effect is about to begin.
The deal is done. Phase One of the Philadelphia Eagles offseason begins on Monday, and they kickstart things by announcing an extension we have been waiting to hear the news of. Our Slim Reaper, DeVonta Smith, isn't going anywhere.
Philly has officially announced they are exercising his fifth-year option and extending him for three more seasons. He is now signed through 2028 and eligible for free agency in 2029.
At the time of this story's release, terms of the deal are believed to include his $15.59M fifth-year option while three years totaling $75 million are added.
Most moves we see made by NFL teams are met with scrutiny. There's a natural unction to debate whether they're too expensive or unfair. No one is doing that in the wake of Skinny Batman's extension.
The vibes are high. DeVonta wanted to be an Eagle. Philly wanted him here, and now he will be, but Smith's deal has other ramifications as well.
Expect a ripple effect through the NFL's landscape as DeVonta Smith signs his extension.
Think about something for a second. As strange as this is to ponder, Smith earned his extension before Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Ja'Marr Chase, Brandon Aiyuk, Jaylen Waddle, Tee Higgins, and Amon-Ra St. Brown earned theirs. Here's what that means. They have locked DeVonta in before the wide receiver market explodes.
The media has both praised their ingenuity and their cap management. Take a look at what's being said around Eagles and NFL media circles. The feedback all in all has been positive.
Eagles are arguably the best contract & cap management team in the league.
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) April 15, 2024
Devonta Smith contract extension the latest example of why.
Ross Report™️ presented by https://t.co/jksF2hwPUv pic.twitter.com/Eh0HJv2REa
Always interesting how #Eagles get things done. Exercise fifth-year option and extend three years so Smith is under contract through 2028. https://t.co/Qvte0gXLs0
— John McMullen (@JFMcMullen) April 15, 2024
BREAKING: The #Eagles are giving superstar WR Devonta Smith a 3-year $75M contract extension, per @RapSheet
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) April 15, 2024
The Eagles are now paying both Smith and AJ Brown $25 million per year. pic.twitter.com/iPfUgk4TQk
Philadelphia as always has been proactive. We typically see them extend their best players sooner rather than later, and they have done so here yet again.
The best part of the news is this. One of the best wide receiver tandems in pro football is sticking together for at least three more seasons. A.J. Brown, one of Smith's best buddies, is scheduled to hit free agency in 2027. Rest easy when your head hits the pillow tonight.
Flashback: DeVonta Smith hangs out with Inside The Iggles!
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