The Eagles received some good news on Friday when the NFL unveiled a $255.4 million salary cap for the 2024 season.
The extra $13 million in cap space has Philadelphia at a little over $32 million, with the new league year less than 20 days away.
One critical situation to monitor is the contract status of star wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who’s eligible for a contract extension.
Smith hasn’t been selected to a Pro Bowl in his first three years, but thanks to back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, he’s eligible for the Playing Time tier of the collective bargaining agreement, according to Over The Cap.
The cost for Smith in 2025 would be $15,591,000, which feels like a bargain, considering he’d be the 20th highest-paid player at his position.
Smith had 81 catches for 1,066 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024 season.
Among the receivers in his draft class, the 2021 10th overall pick ranks fourth in catches and receiving yards behind Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Smith’s 19 career touchdowns rank third.
Earlier this month, Smith told The Inquirer that he was in “no rush” to get a deal done, and waiting ultimately benefits him as he continues to ascend the wide receiver rankings.
The deadline for NFL teams to exercise the Fifth-Year Option for players selected in the first round of the 2021 Draft is May 2, and if Howie Roseman chooses to make Smith wait, the Heisman Trophy winner won’t hit free agency until 2025.
