AFC North Update
The Baltimore Ravens strike a 4-year contract extension with cornerback Jimmy Smith for $48 million including $21 million guaranteed. Coming up on Smiths’ last year of his rookie contract the Ravens agree to lock up their top corner now before he can test the market next off-season. The proverbial light switch went off in 2014 as Smith was enjoying his best season as a pro until a lisfranc foot injury ended his season in Week 8. The Ravens take a gamble on the 27-year-old up and coming corner who hasn’t demonstrated consistency over the course of a full season thus far. With Smith injured last season the Ravens became very susceptible against the pass and the team is not willing to take a chance on losing their potential lock down corner. This move can turn out to be a great deal for the Ravens if Smith is who they think he is, as the corner market shelled out $63 million to top free agent corner Byron Maxwell this off-season.
