Free agent wide receiver Torrey Smith announced that he will no longer be playing with the Baltimore Ravens. In a heartfelt blog post, Smith said goodbye to the organization and city of Baltimore and thanked members of the Ravens, from owner Steve Bisciotti to his position coaches to his teammates. He also talked about how tough it will be to leave a city that he now calls home.
I will be playing for a different organization, but I will remain committed to the City of Baltimore. I will continue to give back and help build a better future for our young men and women. MY COMMITMENT TO THE CITY IS FOR LIFE. This isn’t a goodbye because I will still be around and Baltimore will continue to be my home in the offseason and when my career is done. I’m on to the next chapter of my life and football career, but I will see you guys later.
Smith, who has been one of the players most involved in the community over the years, repeatedly said during the season he wanted to return to the Ravens. At the end of the season, he made it clear that he would like to re-sign with the Ravens before free agency began.
But Smith is expected to receive a contract that averages $8 million-plus per year, which is too expensive for a team with limited cap room to match. The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly the frontrunners to sign him.
Smith, a second-round pick by the Ravens in 2011, finished as the franchise’s third all-time leading receiver with 3,591 yards. He ranks fifth in career receptions (213) and second in touchdown catches (30).
