NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Saints defensive star Will Smith signed a new contract that will make him the one of the NFL's highest paid defensive players.
Smith signed a six-year deal worth about $70 million, according to a person familiar with the deal who requested anonymity because the terms had not been made public.
The deal will make Smith the third highest-paid defensive end in the NFL, behind Kansas City's Jared Allen and Indianapolis' Dwight Freeney.
Smith made the Pro Bowl in 2006 and led New Orleans in sacks last season.
"The Saints really stepped up," said Smith's agent, Joel Segal. "It was a long negotiation and a great deal for both Will and the Saints."
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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