Defensive end appears unhappy with unsettled contract situation
Thursday, April 03, 2008By Jimmy Smith
PALM BEACH, FLA. — Saints defensive end Will Smith, apparently unhappy that the team has yet to restructure his soon-to-expire contract, is not participating in the team’s offseason conditioning program, Coach Sean Payton said Wednesday.
Smith played for a base salary of $695,000 last season. Fellow lineman Charles Grant last year signed a seven-year contract that could eventually be worth $63 million.
Smith’s original contract earned him $20 million in bonuses, and by reaching certain incentives, Smith (the club’s first-round draft choice in 2004) is scheduled to earn more than $1 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 agreement 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.”
Smith’s agent, Joel Segal, did not return calls Wednesday.
Payton said he respected Smith’s demeanor last season, not complaining about Grant’s multi-million dollar deal, and met with Smith about a month ago when Smith informed Payton of his decision to sit out the offseason conditioning program in New Orleans.
“I think this, and I told him, the day after Charles got a new contract, five reporters are in his locker asking him how he feels,” said Payton, who participated in the annual NFC coaches media breakfast at the NFL owners meeting in Palm Beach. “And the bottom line is when any one of us signs a contract, a year later there’s going to be someone at the same position signing one for a higher number. Last year he was two years away from another contract. He understands, and his representation understands, the business side of this, and hopefully it will be something that’s resolved sooner than later.
“He’s a very talented player. We’ve stayed in communication. My main focus has been on the guys who’ve been there, and that’s got me excited. Because I’ll call the strength coach, and these guys are all there for every lift and run. That’s good.”
Payton said that Smith has been the program’s only absentee.
“I’ve had guys where things come up, I visit with them, and they move on and get right back in it,” Payton said. “Everyone that I’ve talked with has been there. It’s been encouraging. Will and I had a chance to visit and talk probably three or four weeks ago, and it’s a decision the player makes. I understand why. We have a great relationship, as Will does with (General Manager) Mickey (Loomis). I think for me, I get more excited about 99.9 percent of the team being there.
“If any given season there’s one player who’s not, it’s a pretty good offseason program. Will will stay in shape and do what he needs to do get ready. It’s part of what we deal with.”
Payton said he had concerns about the health of running back Deuce McAllister’s knees, though he added McAllister’s rehabilitation from surgery on his left anterior cruciate ligament and microfracture surgery on his right knee were progressing well.
“I think you have to have some concern with what he does and the position he plays,” Payton said. “As best we can, we’re trying to gather all the information and seeing how he responds to the treatment and rehab.”
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Jimmy Smith can be reached at jsmith@timespicayune.com or (504) 826-3814.
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They definitely need to give Will more money. Can’t imagine how it made him feel last year to be making only $695k while players like Fred Thomas made $2million.
I doubt they’ll give him as much as they gave Charles Grant, but hopefully they’ll give him a nice raise.