Heading into the 2024 NFL season, DeVonta Smith remained under team control with the Philadelphia Eagles for the next two years.
But rather than wait out Smith’s contract, the Eagles are being proactive by signing the star wide receiver to a three-year, $75 million contract extension according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
Philadelphia’s decision to sign Smith to a new deal two years before he was slated to be eligible for free agency is notable, as the Eagles are just two years removed from signing A.J. Brown to a four-year, $100 million contract. But considering the other wide receivers set to receive new deals in the not too distant future — including Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jaylen Waddle — it makes sense that the Eagles would want to get a deal with the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner done before the wide receiver market shifts.
Philadelphia originally selected Smith with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. In his first three seasons with the Eagles, the Alabama product has tallied 240 receptions for 3,178 yards and 19 touchdowns in 50 regular-season games, as well as 27 receptions for 405 yards and a touchdown in five playoff appearances.
In addition to Brown and Smith, the Eagles have also committed big money to Jalen Hurts, signing the quarterback to a five-year, $255 million contract a year ago.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.