Saints Pen New Deal with Former Buckeye Will Smith

Former Buckeyes and New Orleans Saints star Will Smith has inked a new deal, making him a Saint through the 2014 season.

By Eric Geier

Six Years $70 Million

    On Wednesday, defensive end Will Smith signed a new six year, $70 million dollar deal with the New Orleans Saints that makes him a Saint through the 2014 season. The deal makes Smith the third highest paid defensive end in the NFL. Only Minnesota’s Jared Allen and Indy’s Dwight Freeney have larger contracts.  In his first four seasons with the Saints Will Smith had 33 and ½ sacks, launching him to third all-time in the history of the Saints. The record will certainly be shattered in the coming years. He has also recorded 265 total tackles.

Franchise Player

    New Orleans Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis elaborated on their newest franchise player saying, “We are excited about getting this long-term contract done with Will, we view him as one of our core players and look forward to him having an impact on our defense for years to come.”

Saints on Signing Spree

    The Will Smith signing adds to an already busy offseason for the Saints. The Saints have signed or re-signed over 15 players already this offseason including WR Terrence Copper, LB Jonathan Vilma and WR Devery Henderson.