The Baltimore Ravens have released veteran linebacker Daryl Smith, which frees up $2.625 million in cap space for a team that currently has one of the worst cap situations in the NFL. The 33-year-old linebacker has been a consistent fixture with the Ravens since 2013 and has started in every game since he joined the franchise. Smith was the Ravens' leading tackler in 2015 and has been an invaluable asset while this team was moving on from Ray Lewis.
Smith recorded 121 combined tackles, three sacks, three pass defenses and an interception in 2015. It was clear that Smith was in a decline as the end of the regular season approached, so the veteran linebacker began to split defensive reps with free agent Zachary Orr. The linebacker spent a large portion of his career (20014-2012) with the Jacksonville Jaguars in their early years.
So far in Smith's career, he has recorded 1,050 combined tackles, 30.5 sacks, 11 interceptions and 13 forced fumbles. He may already have his replacement on the roster, as the Ravens do have some linebackers willing to take on a bigger role. The Ravens would have to resign 23-year-old linebacker Zachary Orr since he is hitting free agency, but it is more likely that Smith will be replaced with Arthur Brown or Albert McClellan.
Brown is a 25-year-old linebacker who was the Ravens 2nd round pick a couple of seasons ago. McClellan is in his 6th NFL season and is 29 years old. He has recorded two career sacks and 111 combined tackles in his career so far. The Ravens will look to create more cap space as the offseason goes along, and Smith may not be the only casualty. They may look to release Chris Canty, Eugene Monroe, Dennis Pitta, Kyle Arrignton or more in order to keep this franchise competitive.
Canty is a 33-year-old defensive end who will cost the Ravens $2,915,000, but that is not nearly as bad as Dennis Pitta, a 30-year-old tight end who is costing the Ravens $7,200,000 a year. Pitta has had a ton of injury issues and has barely been able to stay on the field.
Monroe is the other left tackle that the Ravens need to worry about, as Kelechi Osemele is their 26-year-old backup who is about to hit free agency. Monroe will cost the Ravens $8,700,000. The Ravens could have a lot more cap space than anticipated by the time this 2016 offseason comes to a close.
