Baltimore Ravens: Top 15 free agent signings of all-time

Steve Smith Sr. is one of the biggest names the Ravens ever signed. He had seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons before he ever suited up for the Ravens. He was the greatest player in Carolina Panthers history.

Smith brought the legend to Baltimore and he brought a swagger with it. He was signed by the Ravens after the 2013 season. It was the first time in the John Harbaugh/Joe Flacco era that the Ravens weren’t in the playoffs. 2014 saw the Ravens return to the playoffs and Smith helped Flacco have his best season as the Ravens starting quarterback.

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The 2014 season was a great return on the Ravens investment. Smith had 79 receptions for 1,065 yards and six touchdowns. In the Ravens postseason victory at the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith torched their rivals for five receptions and 101 yards.

Smith got hurt in the 2015 season and it could have easily been the end of his career. He wasn’t going out like that though and he had 70 catches in his final year in the NFL.

The Ravens may have had some rough years while he was a Raven, but Smith was an absolute joy for the fanbase. He was the heart of this team.

Smith is a player that unequivocally belongs enshrined in Canton, Ohio. He was one of the best players of his generation.

He spent most of his career with the Panthers, but he had some of his best moments with the Ravens. Baltimore embraced Smith and he certainly embraced Baltimore back. It meant a lot to this fanbase that the final chapter in his NFL career was in the Charm City.