DeVonta Smith signed his contract extensions with the Eagles, keeping the WR in Philly for the next four years, and spoke to reporters about what it means to earn that second contract — especially when it means continuing to play alongside A.J. Brown.
Smith said that this contract extension wasn’t something on his mind during the season, and knew things would handle themselves. But, it does mean a whole to get this done.
“It means a lot. It’s been a long journey — the journey is not over, it’s just starting. So, it means a lot to me. It means a lot to my family. You know, all the long nights, early mornings that I’ve been putting in the work to get to where I am and to get to this point, feels good to see that it’s paying off.”
He’ll be turning 30 when this contract expires, and Smith said he just hopes to live up to it. The WR didn’t feel any extra expectations, but knows that Jeffrey Lurie, Howie Roseman, and head coach Nick Sirianni gave him this opportunity for a reason.
“I understand expectations are high in this city. The fans, they expect a lot of you, and when you’re not playing up to it, they let you know, and me, being the person I am, nobody’s harder on me than myself. So, nothing that fans say, or things like that, can actually get to me. And, I mean, I embrace it.
I embrace it because it just shows that the fans love it. They live and breathe Philly. Not only us: basketball, baseball, everything. I mean, they love it, and you want to be in a city like that, and I always say, I don’t think there’s a better sports city than Philadelphia.”
Smith said that one of the most important things now is that he stays true to himself, and that he continues being a student of the game, and being mentally prepared every game.
He was asked about what it means to be here long-term alongside A.J. Brown, and he noted that it means a lot, especially since the two have grown very close.
“It means a lot to be able to go out there knowing that guys who have similar stories, guys who have the same passion, the dedication that we have to this game — it means a lot to just go out here and be able to continue to do it alongside [A.J. Brown], and everyone else that’s in this building.”
Smith explained that the pair understanding each other and where they come from, what motivates them, and what they sacrifice to play this game at a high level, is what makes them a special tandem.
He later said that their relationship allows them to not be upset when the other has a bigger game, but rather celebrate with each other. Smith also pointed out that they all want the ball every play, but it’s important to have guys like that because those are the players ready in big moments, and those are the ones who step up to the plate.
“You have two guys who want to be the alpha, and I feel like that’s a good thing. And you have two guys that are happy for each other.
I mean, me and A.J. [Brown] talk everyday. We call each other every day. We make sure that we talk on the phone everyday — whether it’s football, life.”
Smith said it’s important that the Eagles have nine offensive players signed for at least the next two years, noting a team is all about the relationships with each other. So, having a bunch of guys who are familiar and comfortable with each other, lets them push each other even further and harder.
The WR also reminisced about being drafted by the Eagles, and admitted he thinks about that day all the time.
“Just, the feeling I had hearing my name called, knowing that I was coming to Philly, knowing that I was coming to play with Jalen [Hurts] — somebody that I had grown close to in college. Just that feeling of weight being off my shoulders. Coming to a place where I had somebody that I can relate to, somebody that I was comfortable with.”
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