[News] Ravens Sign WR Steve Smith

[ellicottraven]

I honestly see Ozzie pick the absolute best player available on our board. I suspect some player who is in the top 10-12 on our board will fall and we pick him up. I would be lying if I told you what position that would be. I don't think Ozzie knows at this point.

[GO_Ravens]

For this offense to rocket we need Ozzie to come outside his box this year and select Eric Ebron even if at 17 he isn't the best player on the board. Kubiaks offense rely on running game and TE play with Pitta and Ebron it will take this offense to the next level.

[ravenstime]

Everyone is happy with our off-season, this year. Now if only we could skip to July, but wait, there's plenty of excitement surrounding the draft in May. I wonder if he's looking at any WR's in the draft? But, in reality, we need to sure-up our o-line and get a FS, too. Thank You Ozzie!

[ozrave]

I wonder whether the FO approaches Haloti again, now that they've shown what can be done. If Haloti extends, we go around again in FA, and the draft is gravy.

[hen826957]

Image this Steve Smith, Torrey Smith, Jacoby Jones, Mike Evens/Ebron, Pitta, Marlon Brown. Offensive line: Monroe, K.O., Mack, Yanda, Wagner/Draft pick man on man I hope this could happen wow. If we get Alex Mack then draft either Mike Evans/Ebron we could be dangerous people it's to many weapons for Flacco plus it would give Flacco more time to make accurate throws Ozzie get these pieces and make it happen.

[OrganisedChaos2]

Sure... if you're running a franchise with monopoly money and have no concept of what it costs to bring somebody here.

Just more typical fan overreaction. Got a bad center? Throw a ton of money at the best one and hope it sticks.

That's why Ozzie is Ozzie and fans are fans.

I wasn't the one suggesting we bring Mack here, I was just pointing out that if he is here, he'd be a major upgrade.  I'm aware of salary cap issues, but no-one knows it better than Oz so I safely assume each year that the moves the Ravens make are the best Oz can do.  But the whole pointing of building a football team is to improve the play at every position, seeing as centre was our worst position last year, it's the position that would make a lot of sense to improve if FA or draft.

[RaRaRavens]

Oooh-wee! This year's draft will be interesting, I'll tell you that!!

[ReginaldColeman1]

They've been looking for him? A slot receiver. A tough guy with good hands. Well they gave one away. Hey we all make mistakes but it seems odd that NE gets what it needs, SF, Seahawks, Saints even the Giants and Browns now. And Broncos. It's too cozy a party for some of these teams to get exactly what they need and their cap never gets too high it seems. Need someone for 45 mill sure we'll get one. The field doesn't seem level. But since when was life fair? Never. As for the Ravens going out and getting Edelman? I think they have the cap dollars as it were. I'd be surprised but it would be a welcome addition. I'm surprised that there is smoke among the media that suddenly the Ravens are going to get the CB and FS in round 1 and 2 and forego their efforts at center and right tackle. Who needs a young WR when we have Smith?I don't buy the news in the media. No matter who writes it.

[Purple Dawg 96]

I wonder Ryan, did Jacoby take less money because he knew Steve Smith was gonna sign? Maybe, they wanted to play together!

[KidNme]

Wow, you don't realize how short he is until you see him stand next to Downing! What is he, like 5'8"?

He must be a baller!

[whobilly]

Have to agree you. I do like the signing but you had a beast in Boldin that was already here and was a major factor in getting the Ravens to the Super Bowl and WINNING IT ! I know, I know, the Ravens were able to sign a few other guys, but they still could have/SHOULD HAVE made it work. The Niners realize

how much of a factor Boldin is and signed him for two more years. His numbers will probably slip a

little because Crabtree will play the entire season. "Q" had "only" 85 catches last year.

He will likely have "only" 75 this year.

[bioLarzen]

Have to agree you. I do like the signing but you had a beast in Boldin that was already here and was a major factor in getting the Ravens to the Super Bowl and WINNING IT !

 

Yep, and we also had a very serious cap space situation we had to handle. 

I love how all those "Boldiners" keep forgetting aboput this fact - and talk about that situation like we could have kept Boldin with his contract like that - and we cut him "just because"...

 

The other thing I love is when this is pointed out, the Boldiners say "surely it could have been solved somehow" - yep, by releasing Boldin...

 

The problem wasn't releasing Boldin, the problem was being unbale to replace him with a cheaper alternative.

 

But yeah, I know...

[BmoreB]

Ok, so with signing Steve Smith the Anquan Boldin rhetoric continues. This actually amazes me and tells me that it's not going to go away until Boldin retires. It's really unfortunate that you all can't let it go as you will not fully appreciate the Ravens as a whole. My suggestion, let it freaking go or download the song "I left my heart in San Fransisco" and listen to that while watching the 49'ers with your #81 SF jersey on. Good luck.

[Shutdowns-R-us]

We had a 550 Benz and they traded it in, although it was comfortable, tough and durable. I got use to the Benz. But when I got off of work yesterday I came home to a 750 BMW, neither the less I shed no more tears about the Benz, I love the BMW. Cliff notes: I finally can rest about Boldin and be thrilled about Steve Smith...

[whobilly]

Yep, and we also had a very serious cap space situation we had to handle. 

I love how all those "Boldiners" keep forgetting aboput this fact - and talk about that situation like we could have kept Boldin with his contract like that - and we cut him "just because"...

 

The other thing I love is when this is pointed out, the Boldiners say "surely it could have been solved somehow" - yep, by releasing Boldin...

 

The problem wasn't releasing Boldin, the problem was being unbale to replace him with a cheaper alternative.

 

But yeah, I know...

There must be a lot of "Boldiners" out there because every time his name is mentioned it is prefaced

with "The Loss Of Anquan Boldin". I understand the cap issue, but they could have thought it through

a little and at least tried to make it work. I agree with the comment on the board. We had a Mercedes and now we have a BMW.

[kubaquba]

That's just perfect! Was waiting for those two signings of Smith's. Anyone knows how much salary cap space do we have now?

[GO_Ravens]

The panthers wasn't using Steve Smith right they were still using him as an outside receiver we will have him in the slot like we had Boldin I don't think you guys understand how effective he will be in the slot I can't wait to see it.

[RavenManiac#7]

I have admitted on here numerous times that I preferred Edelman, but Steve Smith was my second choice and I Do think he will make us a better team; If he can avoid injuries. That has been a problem his last two years and I really hope it's not a sign that his age is catching up to him. Welcome aboard, Steve, and the best of luck to you. You're a Raven now and you are Very, very welcome. You're a great addition to our team and I'm hoping for big things. Signing Both Smiths is really very good news. Now, fix the line and get us Brandin Cooks, Odell Beckham, or Eric Ebron in the first round and it will be the best off-season anyone could hope for. If we can somehow add Alex Mack, I think I'll be so excited I will Not be able to contain myself. Please pull it off, Ozzie.

[slowboater]

I just hope most of you guys are right. I am not as sold on this signing. He will be 38 at the end of his 3 year contract. I just don't know many 35 year old WR that are still elite in the NFL. 35 at WR is considered a age for retirement. I hope Smith works out.

Elite? Does Smith have to be "elite". Was Mason elite? No. But he was reliable and a mentor for our younger receivers. I have no issues with Steve becoming a possession receiver the offense can count on. No issues at all.

[RavenManiac#7]

Image this Steve Smith, Torrey Smith, Jacoby Jones, Mike Evens/Ebron, Pitta, Marlon Brown. Offensive line: Monroe, K.O., Mack, Yanda, Wagner/Draft pick man on man I hope this could happen wow. If we get Alex Mack then draft either Mike Evans/Ebron we could be dangerous people it's to many weapons for Flacco plus it would give Flacco more time to make accurate throws Ozzie get these pieces and make it happen.

Doubt we can make it happen, but I agree with you that if we gat Alex Mack it would be incredible. But your receivers: Evans, and probably Ebron will be gone. I still want a first round receiver, though. Make it Brandin Cooks or Odell Beckham Jr., in that order, and we'll be in more than fine shape.

[RG3raven]

Steve Smith is the DEFINITION of chip on your shoulder. I can guarantee that when we play the panthers, Steve will go BEAST MODE. The ravens embrace players being themselves, and Smith will get to do exactly that. Last year, the Ravens were rebuilding. This year, we're reloading.

[RavenManiac#7]

I see us getting our right tackle at #17 with either Taylor Lewan or Zack Martin. There's always the possibility of kicking one of them inside and kicking Yanda outside for a year.

Zack Martin has arms too short to be a tackle. I suspect he will be a guard at the NFL level. Could be wrong, of course, but that's my thought. And why would you ever consider moving a Pro Bowl caliber guard to the tackle position? Leave Yanda right where he is. That's why I don't see Zack Martin as a good choice for us.

[Mcnul1kj]

Sign Chris Clemons for safety, then draft OL OR WR in first round... Or trade back n get picks. I doubt they take a WR first pick bc there are so many.

[rmcjacket23]

I wasn't the one suggesting we bring Mack here, I was just pointing out that if he is here, he'd be a major upgrade.  I'm aware of salary cap issues, but no-one knows it better than Oz so I safely assume each year that the moves the Ravens make are the best Oz can do.  But the whole pointing of building a football team is to improve the play at every position, seeing as centre was our worst position last year, it's the position that would make a lot of sense to improve if FA or draft.

Yes, we very well likely need an upgrade.

What we don't need, however, is to pay a large amount of money for the best possible upgrade. Centers just aren't that important. You don't need the best one.

I've never once recalled any SB winning team who specifically won the SB because they had the absolute best center in the league. In fact, I know several who won a SB with a pretty bad center on their team.

[ckarp34]

I like the Steve Smith pick up, however, we should not deter from drafting Mike Evans, Marquise Lee or Eric Ebron in Rd 1...in that order, cuz Steve Smith does not resolve our pass catching corps.

[GangofRavens]

Yes, we very well likely need an upgrade.

What we don't need, however, is to pay a large amount of money for the best possible upgrade. Centers just aren't that important. You don't need the best one.

I've never once recalled any SB winning team who specifically won the SB because they had the absolute best center in the league. In fact, I know several who won a SB with a pretty bad center on their team.

Bottom line is we need someone better than what we had last season. Ozzie, the business man understands he will have to pay the market price for that upgrade. If Mack is the best choice and affordable pay him. Who goes cheap on quality they can afford?--key word afford. And no having the money does not alone equate to affordability. Now if his price doesn't fit in with what we need to do to improve the rest of the team-- then you pass him up because we cannot afford him. You don't pass him up on the idea that centers are not that important.

[Wildwest Raven]

Great!!..on to the O-line.

[Barry S]

I think this is an excellent acquisition, he's a scrappy savvy guy who knows how to play the position and also maybe polish off (teach) guys like Torrey Smith and Marlon Brown on how to get separation off the line of scrimmage.

[J.Flacco#5]

The new question is, Which Smith will be starter in the Wide Receiver position?

[Moderator 3]

The new question is, Which Smith will be starter in the Wide Receiver position?

Both.