DeAndre Smith signs biggest-ever Rivals League contract

 Perry A. Farrell, Detroit Free Press11:09 p.m. EDT September 21, 2015

(Photo: Courtesy photo)

DeAndre Smith's stellar play in the Rivals Professional Football League has earned him the richest contract in league history.

Smith, a defensive back, quarterback and wide receiver, inked a deal with league owner Quentin Hines tonight that could pay him as much as $64,100 spread out over three years.

The contract is based on signing bonuses, roster bonuses and workout bonuses. Smith also will be paid on a per game basis.

Smith, a former star at Macomb Dakota, is the only two-time champion in the RPFL, both with the Detroit Cougars.

His deal is with the Pontiac Generals, the league runner-up this season and coached by Wendell Jefferson.

The RPFL, attempting to become the developmental league for the National Football League, Arena Football League and Canadian Football League, has sent seven players to the AFL, one to the NFL and three to the CFL in two years.

“DeAndre is just an outstanding athlete," Hines said.

Jefferson said: “He’s just a superior athlete and a great player. Adding him to Ed Thomas, Kevin Smith and Shamon McGaughy to name a few will provide matchup problems for opposing defenses. I coached him last season and we won the championship and hopefully we’ll be able to do the same thing in 2016. Having coached DeAndre I know his work ethic and will to win that he will bring. He leaves it all out there on the field. He is someone else’s nightmare now."

The league is holding tryouts for the 2016 season from Nov. 5-25. Potential players can go to Rivalsnation.com to find details about the league and register for tryouts.

Hines, who has contacted the Detroit Lions about scouting games in the spring, said the minimum performance-based contract would be $10,500 for the upcoming season.