Philadelphia Eagles and playmaker Devonta Smith agreed to a $75 million contract extension before the 2024 season. What insights can we gather from the mega-deal for this 25-year-old receiver?
What signs does this show for the Eagles and Smith moving forward?
Philadelphia Eagles Strike Early
The Eagles and Smith reached a deal one year ahead of schedule. Smith is due $15 million this year, as his fifth-year option was picked up. Both sides agreed to a four-year, $90.59M extension, keeping him in Philadelphia through the 2028 season.
Smith’s fifth-year option, worth $15.59 million, was picked up, and then an additional 3-years and $75 million were added on top of that, making his total contract a whopping $90.59 million.
The Eagles followed the same plan with offensive guard Landon Dickerson and offensive tackle Jordan Mailata. General manager Howie Roseman seems to prioritize getting deals done early.
DeVonta Smith and the Wide Receiver Market
The Eagles were set on getting a deal done with Smith for multiple reasons, but a major one was the impending wide receiver chaos that will ensue unless some more major names get a deal done soon.
Just Jefferson, Jamar Chase, Brandon Aiyuk, Amon-Ra St. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, and Tee Higgins are all looking for deals to be done within the next year.
Getting a deal done before some of these names may mean that the Eagles saved a few dollars in the spirit of competition.
If the wide receiver market gets close to the quarterback market, which it seems to be, the “next deal” always seems to be the largest. The Eagles agreeing to an extension with Smith now likely saves them money down the line.
CeeDee Lamb has been reported as a no-show for the Dallas Cowboys voluntary offseason workouts due to contract negotiations. Many can see how waiting on getting a deal done can have negative impacts on the team’s future.
Tying A.J. Brown
Smith is now tied for fourth highest yearly contract for NFL wide receivers. Oddly enough, this ties teammate A.J. Brown.
This is no coincidence.
Tying Brown shows that the Eagles don’t “value” one more than the other. One can assume a pecking order might be made the locker room if either wide receiver started earning more than the other. The Eagles, and GM Howie Roseman, avoid any situation like that occurring. Or at least they hopefully do…
Stability on Offense
Stability is an understatement when it comes to the contract situation of Philadelphia,.
The Eagles’ offense now has quarterback Jalen Hurts, Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson, A.J. Brown, Jordan Mailata, running back Saquon Barkley, and Smith signed through the 2026 season.
Eagles continue to be smart in the offseason. Of course, any moves the Eagles make could be pre-determined as “smart” because of all their past success. Either way, this move is great for both sides.
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