Khristian Boyd fined for hit on DeVonta Smith during game

Khristian Boyd, a rookie defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints, was fined $4,600 for a hit on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith during a game on November 21, 2023. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter after Smith made a 5-yard catch. Boyd's hit, which was deemed to be on a defenseless player, resulted in Smith being placed in concussion protocol. Smith's helmet was knocked off during the play, and he remained in protocol as of the following Thursday. Despite the severity of the hit, Boyd was not penalized during the game. As a first-time offender, the fine was significantly lower than the typical amount for such infractions, which can reach up to $16,883. This reduction is due to the NFL's policy that limits fines for first offenses to no more than 10% of a player's salary cap hit for that week. Boyd's cap hit for the 2024 season is $844,215, translating to a weekly salary cap number of approximately $46,900. Boyd expressed regret over the incident on social media, stating that he never intended to injure Smith and was simply trying to make a play. His teammate, Cameron Jordan, defended him on his podcast, emphasizing that Boyd was playing until the whistle blew and did not have malicious intent. Jordan described the hit as a routine tackle that could have been viewed differently had the play been blown dead earlier. The incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding player safety in the NFL, particularly regarding hits on defenseless players. The league has strict rules in place to protect players, and fines are a common consequence for violations. Boyd's case serves as a reminder of the fine line players must navigate between aggressive play and adherence to safety regulations.