Saints sign Smith to six-year deal

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New Orleans defensive end Will Smith agreed to a six-year contract extension on Wednesday,

Smith, a first round pick in the 2004 NFL draft, will earn $70 million according to media reports and will become the third highest paid defensive end in the NFL behind Minnesota Vikings Jared Allen and Indianapolis Colts Dwight Freeney.

"We are excited about getting this long-term contract done with Will," Saints vice-president and general manager Mickey Loomis said on the team's Web site (www.neworleanssaints.com).

"We view him as one of our core players and look forward to him having an impact on our defense for years to come."

Smith, now under contract to the Saints through the 2014 season, has started 43-of-62 games recording 265 career tackles, 33.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.

In 2006, Smith was voted to the Pro Bowl after registering a career-high 10.5 sacks and made 56 tackles.

(Writing by Steve Keating in Toronto, editing by Justin Palmer)