The latest update regarding DeVonta Smith's contract extension should delight Eagles fans

Philadelphia Eagles fans have been clamoring for news regarding a potential contract extension for star wide receiver DeVonta Smith all offseason, so the latest update from Tim McManus of ESPN should be very well-received.

In his three seasons in Philadelphia, Smith, 25, has cemented himself as a fan favorite -- and as one of the better young wide receivers in the entire NFL. So, the Eagles understandably want to keep Smith in midnight green for the foreseeable future, and the organization is optimistic about a deal getting done.

From ESPN:

"The focus now shifts to one of their most important skill position players. The Eagles are making efforts behind the scenes to get something done with 25-year-old Smith. Contract talks are ongoing, sources familiar with negotiations said, and there's general optimism that a deal will materialize in the near future."

Philadelphia selected Smith with the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he has been an extremely productive player since Day 1 with the Eagles. He compiled over 900 receiving yards and five touchdowns as a rookie and had over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in both of the seasons since. Together, he and A.J. Brown form arguably the best receiving duo in the league.

While speaking with media members at the NFL Combine in February, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman didn't hide the team's desire to keep Smith in Philadelphia for as long as possible.

"DeVonta is an incredible person, incredible player; obviously homegrown, young guy," Roseman said. "Without getting into specifics, those are guys you don't really want to leave."

Projected extension numbers for Smith

There's technically no rush for the Eagles and Smith to agree on an extension, as Smith is under contract through the 2024 season, and the team could also exercise his fifth-year option. But, there's certainly something to be said about being proactive when it comes to paying players.

The Eagles are an organization that likes to take care of its' own, and Smith has certainly earned a substantial payday during his relatively brief tenure with the team. So with that said, what would an extension for Smith look like?

A recent projection from Spotrac sees Smith getting in the range of a three-year, $72 million extension, which is an average annual value of $24 million -- a number that is in line with the market value for top receivers. So, it seems likely that Smith's eventual deal will probably be in that ballpark.

It will ultimately be up to Roseman to figure out the best way to structure such an extension, and it's clear that doing so is a priority for Philadelphia. Fans that have been calling for an extension for Smith can now rest a little easier knowing that one is in the works.