The New York Giants’ Steve Smith wants more money, but he won’t hold out to get it.
Smith, who’s in the final year of his rookie contract, vows to be present in Albany when training camp starts on Aug. 1 whether he reaches a new deal with the team or not, the New York Post reports.
Smith is scheduled to make $550,000, far less than what he deserves based on his stellar performance last year. He’s not requesting an outrageous sum, though. He simply wants the kind of cash that other comparable players in the league are making.
"I deserve to at least be getting what these other players in the NFL are getting, like a Greg Jennings, at least," Smith told the Post.
A year ago, Jennings signed a four-year, $26.8 million extension with the Packers, including $16.25 million in guaranteed money.
Smith broke the Giants’ franchise record for receptions in a single season with 107 last year. He ranked third in the NFC with 1,220 receiving yards and scored seven touchdowns, the most of any receiver on the team. He was also the first Giant since Bob Tucker in 1971 to lead the NFC in catches and the first Giants receiver to play in the Pro Bowl in over 40 years.
The Giants aren’t necessarily opposed to renegotiating a deal with Smith. But with no new collective bargaining agreement in place, 2010 will be an uncapped year. This means that the Giants can only offer Smith a 30 percent raise in base salary. Any other contract inflation would have to be through a bonus.
"I understand it's making it tough on both sides," Smith told the Post. "It's bad timing for me to be doing well in the National Football League."
With a legitimate complaint, Smith is handling it with dignity and continuing to do his job, unlike some of his contemporaries. He wants his money, sure, but he isn’t skipping OTAs or pulling any stunts at minicamp like the Jets’ Darrelle Revis.
There are conflicting reports about whether Revis will hold out of training camp until his financial demands are met, but based on his behavior, the option is certainly on the table. Revis has three years left on his deal but insists on being the highest-paid cornerback in the game, a reflection of his value.
"I feel Revis deserves it, but he still has a lot of years remaining on his contract," said Smith, who was drafted out of USC by the Giants in the second round (51st overall) in 2007. "This is my last year. I feel like I've accomplished some good things here, so I hope the people here respect that and honor that."
The Giants missed the playoffs last season, but all hope isn’t lost.
The team struggled with a subpar running game, and it needs to improve on that front. But the passing game flourished and will be a great asset in the coming season.
Without tight end Jeremy Shockey or receivers Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, the offense was forced to rebuild. Fortunately for the Giants, they ended up with the second-highest scoring offense in the NFC East last season. The trio of Smith, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks combined for 211 receptions, 2,832 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Quarterback Eli Manning also put up impressive numbers (4,021 yards and 27 touchdowns) and likely will only get more comfortable with his new receiving corps, starring Smith.
The receiver just hopes to get paid like a star.
