[News] Ravens Release Veteran LB Daryl Smith

[rmcjacket23]

9 hours ago, sharkh20 said:

Release our best defensive player....great

I hope this was a joke, otherwise you need to watch more games.

[rmcjacket23]

7 hours ago, Ravens_Flock said:

I would really love to see Arther Brown get a chance to step up and finally be a starter. People ignore the fact that it's not as if he just "never proved himself" as a player...he barely ever, over the last three seasons, got a chance to. First he was pushed the side because we signed Daryl Smith, and then we drafted Mosley the following draft. Brown was pretty much out of luck at that point.

I honestly think had he been given the chance back in 2013, he very likely could have proven to be a very capable starting ILB for us, at the very least an athletic and solid run stopper. Maybe he'll get his chance finally. Or not. Who knows. The Ravens have been very iffy with letting certain talented players just kind of rot over the years (Antwan Barnes, etc.)

He should be given nothing. What happened to actually earning your role? How about you go out in training camp, preseason, etc. and actually outplay the guy you are competing with?

One thing's for certain... the Ravens would have certainly preferred to let a draft pick playing for near the minimum be a starter than having to sign a veteran LB for $3-4M a year. The problem is... Art never showed he was good enough to be a starter.

Never understood the whole "give, give, give" mentality. This guy's not even the THIRD MLB on this team... Zach Orr plays a lot more than he does, and rightfully so.

If I were Art Brown, I'd put a lot more emphasis on making the team first vs worrying about a starting job or even playing time. From what I've seen, this guys about as close to being a starter as he is to being out of the league completely in a year or two. Not like teams are beating down our door looking to trade for this guy, and 3rd or 4th MLBs generally don't do great in FA, which is where he's headed soon.

I definitely don't think he was pushed to the side because of Daryl Smith, considering Daryl Smith is probably never signed if the franchise thought Brown was starting caliber.

[Militant X 1]

I'm really not surprised by this move or the Ravens not picking up the option on Canty. Great players but older ones! Time to yet the young lions that have proven themselves in the Mini Camps, OTA's, Preseason and practices...roar!

[balfan23]

Sad to see you go, Darryl. You filled a huge gap that was left when Ray retired and we couldn't sign Ellerbe. You brought good leadership and a passion for the game. Best of luck!

[757RavensFan]

This is a classic example of Ozzie implementing his 80/20 rule. 

He'll find a player (maybe Orr) that has 80% of Daryl Smith's ability at 20% of the cost. 

 

[iluvpurple]

Much respect to Daryl Smith and his ability to come right in and transition into Ray Lewis's spot..... While we all know Ray can and will never be replaced, Daryl surely was the best player to fill his spot, as far as I am concerned, a competent, competitive, quiet leader ??

[mearzunkies]

Daryl is a stop gap player. FACT. Deal with it! I liked him and his play in 2013-2014 but he dropped off, seems he cannot cover like he was for some reason.

[pcwag33]

Sign him as staff. The man knows the position better than anyone. He could suit up in a pinch.

[ellicottraven]

Come back Mr. Smith. You play like a quintessential Raven and the fans respect the heck out of you.

[Grapple Raven]

D. Smith played with injuries for most of last season and still gave it all he had every game leading the team in tackles. With his work ethic, experience and leadership he exemplifies what it means to "play like a Raven" and I still think he has more left in the tank.    For everything Daryl has done for the Ravens, I sure was hoping for him to go out on a higher note.  He is one of the most under-rated players in the NFL today.   I too hope we can re-sign him for less.