The Ravens would like to retain inside linebacker Daryl Smith, but it looks as if they will have some competition. Smith, who became a free agent yesterday, is drawing interest from the Broncos, according to the Denver Post. The Ravens cut Jameel McClain in a salary cap move a couple of weeks ago, and losing Smith as well would leave a gaping hole in the middle of the Ravens defense. The Ravens signed Smith last year to a one-year deal worth a little over $1 million in base pay. It was essentially a prove-you-still-have-it deal, and Smith, at age 31, proved it. Smith had the unenviable task of replacing Ray Lewis in the middle of the Ravens defense and was the teams most valuable defensive player. He finished the season with a team-high 123 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions, including one that he returned for a touchdown. Now he has hit free agency again, and the market seems to have ticked upward for Smith, who turns 32 on Friday. Two inside linebackers have already signed lucrative deals this offseason -- DQwell Jackson with Indianapolis (four years, $22 million, $11 million guaranteed) and Karlos Dansby with Cleveland (four years, $24 million, $10 million guaranteed). -The Raven Chronicles
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 17:25:45 +0000
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