In Roob’s Eagles Observations: How much $$$ is DeVonta Smith worth? originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
A funny thing happened while I was putting together this week’s Eagles Observations.
I did 20 by mistake.
So you’re stuck with a double shot of Roob’s 10 Random Eagles Offseason Observations today. Maybe I’ll shoot for 100 next week!
1. Calvin Ridley got $23 million per year over four years with the Titans. Mike Evans got $26 million per year over two years from the Bucs. Michael Pittman signed with the Colts for $23 million per year over three years. There are now 16 WRs averaging at least $20 million per year, including A.J. Brown at $25 million per year. So there’s your updated wide receiver market. Which brings us to DeVonta Smith, who is heading into a contract year and is priority No. 1 right now for Howie Roseman. Smith has played the last three years on his rookie contract, which averaged about $5 million per year. So what’s he worth? Statistically, Smith only ranked 20th in the NFL in receiving yards among wide receivers last year. And over the last three years he’s 16th. But the eye test says he’s better than that. And he also just turned 25 and I don’t think anybody who’s watched him would think he’s reached anything close to his peak. With more consistent quarterback play and improved play calling, there’s no question Smith can be a 1,200-yard guy. The disparity between Smith’s ability and potential and youth and where he ranks statistically is why this is a tricky contract negotiation. And also as gifted as Smith is, he is WR2 and in contract talks, that will be a factor. You certainly wouldn’t expect him to go over Brown’s $25 million per year figure. But if Ridley and Pittman are worth $23 million per year, Smith is worth more. I would think four years, $94 million gets it done. That would give him the 8th-highest average annual salary among receivers and put him right around D.J. Metcalf and Deebo Samuel….
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/roobs-eagles-observations-much-devonta-000058929.html
Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia
Publish date : 2024-04-07 00:00:58
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