Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Daryl Smith (51) at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens are furiously trying to re-sign star left tackle Eugene Monroe before he hits the open market, but they have another top impending free agent on their hands in veteran inside linebacker Daryl Smith, who was a revelation of a free agent acquisition on a cheap one-year deal last offseason. Smith isn’t going to come cheap this offseason, and he’s probably going to get more then one year on his deal. It’s difficult to envision the Ravens holding onto both players, and Smith will likely be the odd man out due to the Ravens needs. They would like to re-sign him, but they probably won’t be able to before free agency starts.
Per sources close to the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson, the Ravens “aren’t close to a deal” with Daryl Smith, and it sounds like the ILB will be walking today. He should receive a significant amount of interest on the open market, because he is a very good starter and one of the top free agent linebackers available (right there with Karlos Dansby and Brandon Spikes).
Smith filled up the stat sheet last season, as he did a great job of solidifying the Ravens run defense, and he was also very good on interior blitzes. He was also excellent in coverage, racking up plenty of passes defended, and his leadership and intangibles also earn high marks.