[Buckskin86]

Posted on Tue, Jun. 03, 2008
Will Smith at Saints practice, but injured
By LARRY HOLDER
lholder@sunherald.com

METAIRIE, La. --Although New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith sat out of Tuesday's organized team activities session with a toe injury, the more encouraging part for the team was that Smith was in the building.

Smith ended his boycott of voluntary workouts as he's been with the team the past two days for OTAs. Smith's first offseason appearance with the team was during the weekend mandatory minicamp.

Saints coach Sean Payton was encouraged Smith returned to train in the practice facility, but said a new deal for Smith wasn't yet completed.

"I think when the time comes there will be an announcement," Payton said. "But right now I know Mickey and his agent were working through the contract and trying to sort things out. There's nothing really new to announce."

SunHerald.com : Will Smith at Saints practice, but injured

Smith stays for voluntary workouts

METAIRIE, La. (AP) ? Saints defensive end Will Smith, seeking a contract extension and a major pay raise, attended his first voluntary workout of the offseason Tuesday.

Bothered by a sore toe, Smith stayed off the practice field, but head coach Sean Payton saw Smith's presence at the team's suburban New Orleans headquarters as an encouraging sign.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and Smith's agent Joel Segal "are working through the contract and trying to sort things out," Payton said.

Smith had skipped the team's offseason workouts, which began in mid-March, until last weekend, when he showed up for a mandatory three-day minicamp.

Smith said he decided against holding out during minicamp out of loyalty to teammates and his desire to help the team become a Super Bowl contender. Smith also could have been fined for missing the mandatory practices.

A 2004 first-round draft choice and a Pro Bowl selection in 2006, Smith has one year remaining on his current deal, which likely would pay him in the range of $1.8 million next season, depending on which incentives he hits.

Smith's seven sacks in 2007 led the Saints in that category. He also was among the team leaders in tackles with 66.

However, his salary is far below that of other top defensive ends in the league such as the Indianapolis Colts' Dwight Freeney, who's paid close to $12 million a year.

Smith stays for voluntary workouts - USATODAY.com