Unhappy Smith a no-show at workouts

May 22, 2008

Unhappy Smith a no-show at workouts- NOLA.com

Saints’ defensive end holding out for new long-term contract
Thursday, May 22, 2008
By Mike Triplett

As expected, Saints defensive end Will Smith is not participating in the team’s organized team activities while he holds out for a long-term contract extension.

Smith, who turns 27 July 4, is entering the final year of his contract and is expected to earn more than $1 million this season, including incentives.

“He and I had a chance to visit about a month and a half ago, and you’d like to have all your players here. But it’s not unusual,” Saints Coach Sean Payton said. “I think you just go around the league, and each team has a player or two maybe that’s unhappy with his contract. And so in the meantime our focus is on the players that are here. And we’re full speed ahead.”

The workouts are voluntary, so Smith hasn’t been fined or penalized. But the Saints will hold a mandatory full-squad minicamp late next week. Payton said he expects Smith to show up.

Smith’s agent, Joel Segal, declined comment on Smith’s plans, but said he is talking with the Saints about the contract.

Smith was a first-round draft choice out of Ohio State and has earned $20 million in bonuses since signing his rookie deal in 2004. Defensive end Charles Grant last year signed a seven-year contract that could be worth $63 million.

Smith was a Pro Bowl player in 2006 and led the Saints with seven sacks last season.

Written by admin · Filed Under New Orleans Saints News

Comments

Got something to say?