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Unhappy Will Smith not at offseason work, wants new deal
Posted by Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune
April 02, 2008

PALM BEACH, FLA. - Saints defensive end Will Smith, apparently unhappy that the team has yet to restructure his soon-to-expire contract by giving him an extension and raise, is not participating in the team's off-season conditioning program, Coach Sean Payton said Wednedsay.

Smith, who watched last year as fellow lineman Charles Grant signed a seven-year contract that could eventually be worth $63 million, played for a base salary of $695,000 in 2007.

The club's first-round draft choice in 2004, Smith's original contract earned him $20 million in bonuses, and by reaching certain incentives, Smith is scheduled to earn just more than a million this season in the last year of his contract.

Payton said he understands Smith's position and feels certain the team will come to a new contractual understanding with the former Pro Bowl player.

"He's one of the guys who has become a leader in that locker room," Payton said. "I think for him it's wanting to get a new deal and hey, all parties want that. It's just a matter of sorting through and arriving at the right number."

Unhappy Will Smith not at offseason work, wants new deal - New Orleans Saints Beat - Times-Picayune NFL - NOLA.com