Is it possible that the Ravens could bring back former wide receiver Torrey Smith?
Recently retired wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. is already gaining his media credibility with NFL Network. Today Smith Sr. tweeted out that former Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith will be released by the 49ers and will become a free agent this offseason.
https://twitter.com/89SteveSmith/status/838859299069837312
The Ravens originally drafted Smith in the second round of the 2011 draft. He had four very productive seasons with the Ravens before leaving in 2015 to join the San Francisco 49ers. His two season with the 49ers were average at best and he did not play up to the 5 year, $40 million dollar contract he received. The question now is: could Smith be making a return to Baltimore this offseason?
How does this affect Mike Wallace?
Something to keep an eye on with this release is how it will affect the Ravens decision on wide receiver Mike Wallace.
Harbaugh said he anticipates Wallace returning but if Ravens think they can get Smith much cheaper than Wallace, it could change their plans
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) March 6, 2017
Wallace is not a free agent, but he has been eyed as a cap casualty, even after eclipsing the 1,000 yard mark last season. He is owed $8 million this upcoming season and releasing him could clear up a good amount of cap space. Smith and Wallace are essentially the same type of receiver, so it would not make sense to have both of them on the roster. The Ravens are also pursuing other free agent wide receivers such as Brandon Marshall, Terrelle Pryor, and Pierre Garçon.
Next: Baltimore Ravens Free Agency Primer: What You Need To Know
Right now it is too early to tell, but it is definitely something to keep an eye on. Smith had a great start to his career and it would be great to see him come back. He went to college at the University of Maryland and has very close ties to the city of Baltimore. I am sure Joe Flacco would not object to throwing him deep passes again.