[Buckskin86]

Payton: Smith not grumbling about contract
DE has 26.5 sacks in 3 seasons, can become free agent after '08
Friday, May 25, 2007
By Mike Triplett

Almost immediately after the Saints signed defensive end Charles Grant to a long-term contract extension last month, some reports surfaced that fellow defensive end Will Smith was unhappy with his current contract.

But there has been no such indication around Saints camp.

Smith was not available for comment after the Saints' practices Tuesday and Thursday, but Coach Sean Payton called the reports "erroneous" and said Smith has had a great attitude throughout the offseason.

"He's been great," Payton said. "I think a player in our league, when they see their peers get a new contract, I think the natural inclination is for players on the right team to be happy for them. And I've heard Will make that comment.

"I think that's healthy, and I think that's the way that he feels. I can't comment for Will, but he's handled everything we've done in our approach to the offseason and the OTAs in a real good manner."

Smith's agent, Joel Segal, did not go into any details about Smith's contract, but he expressed no discontent or frustration.

"We're just taking it one day at a time," Segal said.

Smith originally signed a six-year deal as a first-round draft pick in 2004, but the final year will likely be voided, making him eligible for free agency after the 2008 season.

Smith received $20 million in bonuses in his rookie contract. He is set to earn $695,000 this year and $850,000 next season, though certain escalators in his contract could raise that figure up to $3.1 million. Specific details of the escalator clauses are unknown.

Clearly, if Smith continues on his current pace, his next contract will be substantial -- whether or not the Saints allow him to hit the open market.

Smith, who turns 26 in July, made his first trip to the Pro Bowl in 2006. He has 26.5 sacks in three seasons and is generally regarded as one of the best young ends in the NFL.

"I think he's a real good competitor. He's obviously a real good pass rusher, and he's someone who's got real good strength," Payton said. "That's a positive for us to go into a season where you are going to have two young ends that work at it. I think it's important to him.

"Those guys are obviously important to what we do defensively."

Grant, 28, signed a seven-year contract extension that could be worth up to $63 million if he reaches every incentive.

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