The Philadelphia Eagles have signed 1st round draft pick outside linebacker Marcus Smith to a four year contract. Smith is the final Eagles 2014 draft pick to sign their rookie contract. Smith's deal was indeed expected to be signed today according to a report from earlier on Monday afternoon.
Smith and the Eagles agreed to terms quickly because now that contracts are slotted, there isn't much negotiation room. Per OverTheCap, as the 26th pick, Smith's contract is expected to total around $7.8 million. This deal ensures that Smith will definitely be ready in time for Eagles training camp, which begins in late July.
Smith enters his first season with the Eagles likely as a backup. The Eagles rookie linebacker told reporters he's exclusively learning the JACK outside linebacker for now. Smith figures to contribute in a rotational role off the bench and as a backup to incumbent veteran starters Trent Cole and Connor Barwin.
A full recap of the Philadelphia Eagles 2014 NFL Draft class:
OLB Marcus Smith
WR Jordan Matthews
WR Josh Huff
DB Jaylen Watkins
DE Taylor Hart
S Ed Reynolds
NT Beau Allen