Eagles sign wideout Steve Smith

ANOTHER high-profile free agent cast his lot with the Eagles yesterday, when the deal he wanted elsewhere didn't materialize. This might be the summer's most unexpected trend.

Wideout Steve Smith made it clear in a conference call with reporters last night that he waited for the Giants to come up with a solid contract, so he could return to the place where he won a Super Bowl ring after the 2008 season. That didn't happen, even after Smith visited Giants training camp this week. Giants coach Tom Coughlin opined that Smith, a second-round pick from USC in 2007, was "a ways away" from playing, following December microfracture surgery on his left knee.

The Eagles examined Smith's knee and came away thinking he might be ready fairly early in the season, a source close to the situation said; the source said the Eagles hope Smith will not have to open the season on the physically unable to perform list, which would sideline him at least 6 weeks.

"The Eagles have been involved pretty diligently for weeks now, talking to my agent [Ben Dogra]," said Smith, who went to the Pro Bowl following the 2009 season after grabbing a Giants-record 107 passes for 1,220 yards and seven touchdowns. He mostly worked the slot, and his 38 third-down catches that year led the NFL."We were just waiting, waiting to see what's going to happen with the Giants. I don't know what happened there. I'm just fortunate that Philadelphia, such a great team, wanted me."

A league source said Smith will earn $2 million guaranteed in the 1-year deal, with a chance to maybe double that if he hits some unlikely incentives. Smith said he felt the Giants could not match the Eagles' offer. The Birds were thought to be about $4 million under the salary cap before signing Smith. They have long-term deals with quarterback Michael Vick and wideout DeSean Jackson on their docket, but a deal with Vick ought to reduce his $16 million cap number from the franchise tag, and maybe create room for Jackson.

Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins, defensive end Jason Babin and running back Ronnie Brown all might have thought they could strike it rich this offseason, but the hectic pace dictated by the late settlement of the NFL lockout, along with the crowded, talent-rich market, led them to readjust their sights and sign with the Eagles. The fact that the market wasn't quite as robust as expected for cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha helped the Eagles step up from the fringes of that competition and sign free agency's top prize. (Interestingly, Dogra also represents Asomugha.) As the Eagles scoop up splashy names, more seem attracted.

"It's pretty exciting to watch," said Smith, 26. "Even when I wasn't part of the Eagles yet, I was like, 'Wow, they're making some really big moves.' It's just definitely something to look at, to talk about."

Smith's signing obviously casts more shadows on the mysterious Jeremy Maclin "illness." Eagles coach Andy Reid again yesterday declined to say what is wrong with Maclin, saying that tests are still being evaluated. Maclin and a team source have said they are not seriously concerned, and a team source said last night that the Smith signing was not related to Maclin's situation.

"Like I've said many times before, Howie Roseman and I are always keeping our eyes open for good football players and players that we think can help our football team win," Reid said in a statement. "And Steve Smith certainly fits that category. He's a Pro Bowl-quality receiver that we will work into our offense as soon as he is ready to go. We feel very good about our current group of receivers, and Steve adds another dimension to that position. He's played very well against us in the past few years and we're happy to have him on board."

Assuming everyone gets healthy at some point, the Eagles ought to have Jackson, Maclin, Smith and Jason Avant as their top four wideouts, a quartet that would be unmatched in the NFC East or maybe in the NFL.

On his Facebook page, Smith thanked the Giants and their fans: "I will always cherish my time in NY and the super bowl victory. This was obviously not an easy decision for me or something I ever expected but unfortunately the business aspect proved that the eagles wanted me to be part of their organization MUCH more than the Giants did.. A special thanks to my WR buddies, coach Gilbride, all of u amazing fans on here, and the entire giants organization for drafting me.. Time for a new beginning."

Asked when he'll be ready to play, Smith said: "I'm not sure how far I am away from playing. I think I'm pretty close, but we'll have to determine that" with the help of team doctors and Reid.

Asked about Coughlin's assessment, Smith said: "I would disagree with that, personally, just because I feel good. I've been running, I've been doing different things, cutting and stuff, and it's been feeling good."

Smith said he didn't think meshing egos will be a problem on the wideout corps.

"Great players all want the ball, but I think when you're winning, and you have an opportunity to win a lot of games and win a Super Bowl, I think that means more," he said.