After the first full team practice at Lehigh, injured tight end L.J. Smith spoke to reporters about his current contract situation. Smith has been looking to receive a contract extension for approximately five months with no progress to date.
When talking about his on field performance in the upcoming season, Smith seemed to be concerned with personal statistics before team success. “In the long run, if I do bad, I’m hurting myself and the team also, but number one I’m hurting myself. You know, I’m auditioning right now (maybe for other teams) so I want to put (forth) my best performance.”
Last year, the Eagles faced a similar situation with safety Mike Lewis. In search for financial security, Lewis went into the 2005-2006 season with feelings of resentment towards the organization. On how he would handle his feelings, Smith said, “Everybody handles things differently. Mike was my example of what not to do.”
Smith was hesitant to claim he was a ‘top 5’ tight end in the NFL, but eagerly asserted, “I’m definitely top 10.”
L.J continues to recover from his off-season sports hernia surgery, but practiced today and is slated to reclaim his spot on the first team offense. Smith will be held out of contact drills for the first three to seven days of training camp according to Andy Reid.
Philly.com discussions are intended to be civil, friendly conversations. Please treat other participants with respect and in a way that you would want to be treated. You are responsible for what you say. And please, stay on topic.
These boards are monitored by Philly.com staff. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us in our sole discretion and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. Personal attacks, especially on other board participants, are not permitted. We reserve the right to permanently block any user who violates these terms and conditions.