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Eagles’ deal with DeVonta Smith an example of what they do best originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Anyone who really pays attention to the way the Eagles operate wasn’t worried about the DeVonta Smith contract situation. They knew it wasn’t going to be an issue.
Because that’s just what the Eagles do.
They make it a priority to sign their homegrown talent to contract extensions well before they’re up against free agency. It’s an Eagles philosophy that pre-dates Howie Roseman’s run as general manager but one he has clearly adopted.
The Eagles did it again with Smith with two years to spare.
On Monday, they picked up Smith’s fifth year option and agreed to terms on a three-year, $75 million extension through the 2028 season. It basically becomes a four-year, $91 million deal.
However you want to spin it, it’s good business.
The Eagles locked up another one of their homegrown cornerstones to a long-term deal. In an offseason where Roseman grabbed headlines by signing free agent running back Saquon Barkley to a top-of-the-market deal, the Eagles’ general manager would probably tell you the most important thing they’ve done this offseason is extend their own key players who weren’t even free agents.
In addition to the Smith extension, the Eagles also extended left guard Landon Dickerson, left tackle Jordan Mailata, safety Reed Blankenship and kicker Jake Elliott all before they needed to. Dickerson, Blankenship and Elliott all had one year left on their deals, Mailata had two years left and Smith had one year and that fifth-year option.
While the philosophy of extending players early dates back to the days of Joe Banner and Andy Reid, Roseman has carried the torch. Free agency can certainly supplement a roster, but some disastrous seasons have shown why it’s not wise to build mainly through high-priced free agents.
Here’s what Roseman said about that at the 2016 NFL Combine after being put back in charge of personnel following his year…
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Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia
Publish date : 2024-04-16 13:05:11
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