Why keeping Za’Darius Smith would make sense for the Ravens

In a perfect world the Baltimore Ravens bring back Za’Darius Smith. Here is why keeping him makes a lot of sense:

Let’s put the C.J. Mosley vs. Za’Darius Smith conversation on the side for a bit. The Baltimore Ravens should want to bring back both players. Instead of picking one or another, let’s see why the Ravens should be very in on Za’Darius Smith.

Smith is a player that has really developed over his rookie deal. He came out of Kentucky as a raw pass rusher who had a lot of work to do. Smith had 5.5 sacks in his rookie year. In 2017 he dealt with some injury issues, but he had 3.5 sacks and he shined when he had the opportunity. This past season saw him pretty much double his tackle numbers from previous seasons and he had 8.5 sacks. 45 tackles and 8.5 sacks is good production, and it’s going to get him paid.

Smith made a greater impact than his good sack numbers even indicate. He knifed through offensive lines all year and created a ton of pressure. Smith became much better against the run and hinted that if the Ravens invest in him, he could take the baton from Terrell Suggs. Smith, you could argue performed the best out of the Ravens outside linebackers. Smith led the team in sacks and had more tackles than Suggs or Judon.

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We saw this season how important it was for Don Martindale’s defense to be able to pressure the quarterback. Smith is so explosive, the offense always has to account for him. While you could argue that the Ravens would be fine at outside linebacker without Smith, just imagine how good they could be with him. Smith may not have even reached his ceiling and he’s coming off a career year.

The Ravens would have promised production from the outside linebackers if Smith were to return. Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams have shown flashes, but they have hardly proven themselves as real weapons for the defense. There is no promise that Smith’s production could be replaced. Judon is very good, and if Suggs comes back Baltimore has a nice pairing for their starting outside linebackers. If Suggs finishes his career with the Ravens, that’s great. This team needs to think about the future. Smith is worth investing in.

The problem the Ravens have always had is holding on to pass rushers that they develop and progress. Paul Kruger, Arthur Jones and Pernell McPhee are all examples of this. You could argue that none of these players turned out to do much after their stint in Baltimore, but that’s missing the point.

They were decent players, and for the most part, players who got overpaid. Smith is worth the money he will get. His career could just be lifting off the ground. They should figure out how to keep Smith. He should be part of the plan moving forward.