RADIO
Earlier this year Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. announced his plans to retire following the 2015 NFL season. With that in mind, it would make sense if the 1-5 Ravens tried to deal the 36-year-old to an instant contender.
That, however, doesn’t seem likely to happen. According to Yahoo Sports, the team is unlikely to trade Smith Sr. Instead of trying to trade him, the Ravens will reportedly try to convince him to hold off retirement for at least one more season.
“They’re not looking to trade [Smith] and they’re still trying to win games. I wouldn’t be shocked if they try to convince him to give it one more go [in 2016],” a inside source said, according to Yahoo Sports.
Smith does have one more season on his contract and he is by far the best receiving threat on the Ravens team. Thus far this season he has 36 catches for 510 yards and three touchdowns. He currently ranks 12th in receiving yardage despite missing a game with four broken bones in his back. He also ranks fourth in the NFL in receiving yards per game (102 yards) among receivers who have played more than two games.
If Smith Sr. were to retire immediately after the 2015 he would be a fringe Hall of Famer. But if he stick around for 2016 and put together another great season, many believe he would be a lock for Canton.
“I think he’s a Hall of Famer already,” the source said, “but one more season playing near [this level] would leave no doubt.”
According to the source, Smith Sr. still has his eyes set on retirement, but he has started to waiver slightly. He realizes he’s still highly effective and he enjoys game days.
But let’s face it, as much as Smith Sr. loves the game, the Ravens desperately need him on the football field. Ravens first-round draft pick Breshad Perriman has yet to see the field due to a knee injury, which has put the team between a rock and a hard place.
Joe Flacco may have less weapons than any other quarterback in the NFL this season. Steve Smith Sr. is literally the only receiving option on the team that puts any fear in opposing defenses.
Perriman still hasn’t practices and is off the fantasy football radar in all leagues except dynasty leagues. As for Steve Smith Sr., he can be considered a WR1 as long as he suits up.
