Ravens CB Jimmy Smith cherishing what could be final games in Baltimore

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith is making sure he leaves the team with no regrets.

This season could be his last as a Raven, but Smith wants Baltimore to know he’s still giving the team everything he’s got. Smith spent his entire 11-year career so far in Baltimore, but in 2021 he’s played just 32 percent of defensive snaps.

In the wake of Marlon Humphrey’s season-ending injury, the Ravens have needed Smith to fulfill more rotational duties in the defensive backfield, and he’s done his best.

In Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith played a season-high 70 percent of defensive snaps and recorded four total tackles.

But in Week 14, Smith didn’t travel with the team to Cleveland, staying in Baltimore to witness the birth of his fourth child instead.

After 11 long years in the pro league, Smith’s priorities have understandably changed, and he may be ready to hang up his cleats in 2022.

Smith told reporters:

"“Part of it is, ‘Do I even want to put my body through something like this again?’ So I do cherish these last games. There’s four games left against top teams, and we need to win. I’m ready to get out there and do what I can do.”"

The Ravens could amicably part ways with Jimmy Smith after 2021

Smith is referring to his unlucky injury history that has stunted his performance in quite a few seasons.

The veteran corner has only played two full 16-game seasons in his career, and this year, an ankle injury sidelined him for the first two games of the season and continued to nag him throughout the year.

"“I’m at my best now with fewer snaps. I’m getting old. I’ve been through a lot of injuries and they start to pile up on you.”"

Baltimore faces one of their toughest tests of the season against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15, in which a red-hot Aaron Rodgers could slice open an already weakened Ravens secondary.

Currently, the Ravens have played with a combination of Anthony Averett and Chris Westry at cornerback with Tavon Young and Kevon Seymour in the rotation. But Smith’s number could also be called, and if it is, he’ll be ready.

Smith has plenty of experience and wisdom to impart to the younger members of the secondary, too.

"“I’ve seen a lot, so I can see how they’re doing, maybe give them a word to play a coverage like this, or like that. I can see the quarterback, read what he’s doing, then talk to them on the sidelines, maybe see something that can help them when they get on the field.”"

Jimmy Smith has stayed loyal to the purple-and-black all his career, and he’ll continue to make any impact, big or small, that he can. If he does choose to move on after this year, it’ll be sad to see him go.