Eagles Snag Former Trojan Steve Smith

CBSsports
Josh Katzowitz

PHILADELPHIA - All along, WR Steve Smith wanted to land a new contract with the Giants. He said so in July 2010 when, after catching a franchise-record 107 passes, he said he should be given a raise on his $550,000 salary. He thought so last March, claiming that the Giants had told him they'd take care of him.

Evidently, the Giants had a different idea about Smith's value. And probably when he'd be healthy again.

And so, the Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane was the first to report that the Eagles surprisingly have signed Smith to a one-year deal, giving the so-called Dream Team yet another talented piece. The Newark Star Ledger's Mike Garafolo reports that the contract is a one-year, $4 million deal (with $2 million guaranteed).

The problem with Smith throughout his four-year career is that he's been injury prone, particularly last season when he played only nine games after suffering a pectoral injury and then a knee injury that required the dreaded microfracture surgery.

The Giants were cautious to re-sign Smith because of that knee injury and the surgery and because Smith won't be available to start the season on the field.

Instead, Smith will get a chance to revitalize his career with Philadelphia, which has been having holdout issues with DeSean Jackson and illness issues with Jeremy Maclin (though McLane's source said the move had nothing to do with Maclin's health).

Said coach Andy Reid in a statement released by the team: "He's a Pro Bowl quality receiver that we will work into our offense as soon as he is ready to go."