Wed Jun 11 16:52:57 2008

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Saints ink DE Smith to six-year deal

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New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - The New Orleans Saints have signed defensive end Will Smith to a six-year contract extension that will reportedly put him in the upper echelon at his position, in terms of salary.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported Wednesday that the deal is worth up to $70 million, with $26 million guaranteed. Only new Vikings end Jared Allen and Colts end Dwight Freeney are signed to bigger deals.

The Ohio State product had seven sacks in 2007, following up a 2006 campaign in which he tallied a career-high 10 1/2 and earned a spot in the Pro Bowl. The 18th overall pick in the 2004 draft by New Orleans, Smith is entering his fifth season in the NFL.

"We are excited about getting this long-term contract done with Will," said Saints' executive vice president/general manager Mickey Loomis. "We view him as one of our core players and look forward to him having an impact on our defense for years to come."

The 6-foot-3, 282-pounder has 33 1/2 sacks and 265 tackles in four seasons with the Saints, the last two as a starter.