Report: Giants' Smith wants new deal

New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith wants to be paid.

To make his point, or enhance his chance of being paid, at least in his mind, he’s switching to Tom Condo and Ben Dogra of CAA, according to Mike Garafolo of the Newark Star Ledger. Previously, he has been represented by DeBartolo Sports.

Here’s the problem with that, or at least an issue that has to be in play: Smith is entering the final year of his rookie contract and he’s performed big time in just one season. Do the Giants really want to back the Brinks truck up to pay the man right now?

Smith led the NFC with 107 receptions this last season but he averaged 11.7 yards per reception and scored seven touchdowns. He’s a talented possession receiver right now who is coming into his own with a good quarterback in Eli Manning and in a good system. Smith had 57 receptions the year before in 2008 and didn’t play much as a rookie in 2007. What’s the market for possession receivers right now? Even elite ones.

He might be best served performing for another season and then seeing what is out there. And, the Giants aren’t obligated to do a thing with him right now. Smith is on the books for 2010 at $550,000. Underpaid? You bet. Maybe the team sees a benefit to a new deal for him this year during an uncapped season. But the Giants hold the leverage right now. All of it, in fact.

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