Saints rookie gets minimal fine for illegal hit on Eagles WR DeVonta Smith

The NFL has fined Saints rookie DT Khristian Boyd for his controversial hit that knocked Eagles WR DeVonta Smith out of last week’s game in New Orleans.

According to Saints beat reporter Matthew Paras, Boyd was fined $4,600 for the hit, roughly .06% of his base salary. A player can be fined up to $16,883 for a hit on a defenseless player, but the CBA does not allow a fine above 10% of a player’s salary cap number.

Khristian Boyd was fined $4,600 for his hit on Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith.

— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) September 25, 2024

Smith was tackled by Paulson Adebo and Pete Werner on a five-yard catch in the fourth quarter when Boyd came flying in from behind after forward progress had been stopped. Smith’s helmet came flying off, and he left the game with a concussion. No penalty was called.

This was just one of many seemingly dirty plays from the Saints on Sunday, and the fine further proves that Boyd’s hit warranted a penalty — the refs should have blown the play dead anyway.

Smith was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday’s walkthrough, and his status for this weekend’s matchup vs. Tampa Bay remains in question.

This unpenalized hit on DeVonta Smith that caused a traumatic brain injury needs to be discussed tomorrow.
If it's open season on the heads of defenseless players, it's going to be a long year. pic.twitter.com/0FnZtqnDDo

— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) September 23, 2024

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images