Although the Miami Dolphins have yet to progress in contract talks with Sean Smith, they are not expected to use the franchise tag on the impending free-agent cornerback.
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That being the case, Smith likely will hit the open market in search of a contract that will pay him in the neighborhood of $8 to $10 million per year.
Among the teams keeping tabs on Smith will be the Philadelphia Eagles. New coach Chip Kelly will be in the market for cornerbacks with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in search of big pay day and Nnamdi Asomugha a candidate for release.
According to Comcast SportsNet Philly's Geoff Mosher, the Eagles are interested in Smith "at the right price."
In other words, Smith won't be playing for Kelly if he gets his reported wish of $24 million guaranteed over three years. A deal of that magnitude would surpass Jason McCourty's $20 million paycheck and flirt with Brandon Carr's $25.5 million deal.
Even with more defenses copying the Seattle Seahawks' physical press coverage, it's a steep price for a player who surrendered more combined first downs and touchdowns than any other cornerback in the NFL last season.
Still, don't be surprised if the Eagles have competition from former Seahawks defensive boss Gus Bradley, who's now running the show with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
