Steve Smith Offended By Release, Happy With Ravens

Jun 19, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) talks with head coach John Harbaugh (right) during minicamp at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Smith spoke with the media following practice, and had quite a few things to say. Smith talked about how he is getting along with his new teammates, his chemistry with Joe Flacco, and how he feels about his release from the Panthers. While Smith seemed quite calm at the stand, his words said it all.

Regarding his release from the Panthers, Smith admitted that “there’s part of you that feels offended, but it’s not my place to say it’s justified or unjustified.” You can’t blame Smitty for being offended after he spent 13 years with the Panthers. He is the most popular player in team history and has a deep connection to Charlotte. Fans were outraged when he was released, but football is a business and it was simply a business transaction.

“I been catching balls from quarterbacks for a lot of years, if you throw me the ball I’m gonna snag it,” Smith quipped.

Obviously the Ravens think he has something left in the tank after they scooped him up in free agency. Smith admitted that you aren’t the same player at “35 that you are at 25,” but feels that he can still be a factor. “I been catching balls from quarterbacks for a lot of years, if you throw me the ball I’m gonna snag it,” Smith quipped. He admitted that he probably only has a couple of years left to play, and wants to go out and have fun.

One thing for sure is that Smith is happy with the Ravens and the potential this receiving unit has. He even dubbed the duo of himself and Torrey Smith “Smith & Smith,” seemingly a law firm of pass catchers. When asked how he thought the wide receiver group would perform, he told reporters “better than last year.” Smith said that he loves the personality of the team and feels like he fits in perfectly.