Is Colston's deal next?

The Saints took care of one potential 2009 offseason contract problem by inking defensive end Will Smith to one of the richest deals for a defender in NFL history.

The next logical step for the Saints would be to hammer out a contract extension with wide receiver Marques Colston. Joel Segal, who represents both Smith and Colston, wouldn't comment when I asked him Tuesday about the progress of talks or if any had even begun.

Colston didn't take part of the final week of organized team activities, which ended Wednesday, and a lack of action on a new contract was a factor. But it's likely the two sides have had some dialogue considering how closely Segal and Saints general manager Mickey Loomis have worked through the last couple of weeks putting Smith's deal together.

Of course OTAs are considered voluntary, but we all know nothing is really voluntary anymore. Case in point when Saints coach Sean Payton called the absence of defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis and offensive lineman Matt Lehr as excused implying Colston's was not.

The Colston camp certainly desires a new contract by the time training camp commences in late July. The team may think otherwise.

Ellis will command top dollar being the No. 7 overall pick and he could wait until Kansas City defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey signs his deal. If that happens, Ellis' progress could be greatly halted. Then there's dealing with the rest of the draft class, although typically negotiations with picks outside the first round go smoother than a first rounder.

An extension for right guard Jahri Evans is something to take into consideration as well.

The money may not be there for Colston right now and he will be a restricted free agent meaning the Saints could match what any team would offer.

Colston told me on more than one occasion that he wants to be with the Saints for the long haul. The Saints would be foolish not to lock up one of the league's most productive wide receivers.

And by nailing down a deal with Smith, the Saints again displayed their yearning to hang onto their own players. But both sides may have different outlooks on when a deal should be done.

Colston doesn't appear to be the hold-out type of player. But when you're getting underpaid like Colston is (and it's hard to blame the Saints for that considering Colston's rise to glory was unexpected at best), holding out of training camp may be his only recourse.