Baltimore Ravens prioritizing Daryl Smith
Tom Brady (12) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Daryl Smith (51). Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens gave star tight end Dennis Pitta a five-year deal yesterday, and they are busy trying to lock up star left tackle Eugene Monroe, who was acquired through a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars early in the 2013 season. Those two stars on offense were viewed as the top two priorities for the Ravens, and locking up Pitta was a huge key, as he is the most reliable pass-catcher on a Ravens team that still needs to add a No. 2 WR. Meanwhile, the Ravens offensive line has huge holes, and left tackle would be a massive hole if they can’t keep Monroe around.
But the Ravens also have a third priority, and it’s become clearer that the Ravens will try as hard as they can to keep inside linebacker Daryl Smith aroud. According to a source close to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, nothing is imminent between the Ravens and Smith, but they are “making” him a priority to re-sign.
Smith was one of the best linebackers in the league last season, and he was an absolute steal for GM Ozzie Newsome last offseason on a one-year deal. The former Jacksonville Jaguars star lit up the stat sheet with 123 tackles, five sacks, three picks, and a whopping 19 passes defended, and he also played a key role on the defense as a leader. Smith is somebody this team needs to lock up, because he would be a touted free agent this offseason.