Ravens Beat: No one surprised if Steve Smith returns

Oct 26, 2015

The Baltimore Ravens said they won't trade wide receiver Steve L Smith, even though it's in the best interest of the team and the the five-time Pro Bowl player to do so if Smith does intend to retire at the end of the season.

A trade would give the one-win Ravens an additional draft pick that's needed to help rebuild the team, and Smith would play his final season for a Super Bowl contender.

So, why won't Baltimore deal Smith? Perhaps the Ravens believe Smith is wavering about this being his final season, and the next 10 weeks gives them a chance to persuade him to come back.

Fantasy Impact:

Last week, Smith told Baltimore reporters as well as Arizona reporters on a conference call that he remains "on schedule" for what he announced earlier this year. The fact that he doesn't even say the word "retirement" makes it sound like he's not as definitive as he was two months ago. If Smith wants to end speculation that he is contemplating delaying retirement for a season, all he has to say is he's definitely retiring at the end the year and nothing will change his mind. But he hasn't, and the Ravens have to be pleased that he hasn't, the story said.

Apr 17

Chargers to sign RB J.K. Dobbins on one-year deal

Tom Pelissero

Apr 17 · 7:45 PM EDT

Former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins is planning to sign with the #Chargers on a one-year deal. Electric when healthy, Dobbins — who averages 5.8 yards per carry in his career — reunites with OC Greg Roman and can hit the market again in March.

Related Players: Gus Edwards

Fantasy Impact:

Dobbins has had poor injury luck in his career, but has only managed 234 total rushes since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This is a low-risk, high-reward move by the Chargers and might give them a runway to wait a little longer in the '24 Draft before they address the position.

Apr 16

Cowboys sign RB Royce Freeman

Todd Archer

Apr 16 · 8:15 PM EDT

The Cowboys have signed running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal. Freeman had 319 yards on 77 carries with 2 touchdowns last year for the Los Angeles Rams. He was 3rd round pick of Denver in '18.

Related Players: Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn

Fantasy Impact:

Freeman hasn't rushed for 500 yards since 2018, his rookie season. This shouldn't have any impact on the team drafting at the position and/or bringing back Ezekiel Elliott.

Apr 15

Eagles sign WR DeVonta Smith to three-year extension

Ian Rapoport

Apr 15 · 10:45 AM EDT

The Eagles have paid another big-time, rising player. This time, WR DeVonta Smith gets a 3-year, $75M contract extension that includes $51M guaranteed.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, DeVante Parker, Parris Campbell

Fantasy Impact:

Great news for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense as a whole. Smith will continue his 1b role in which he finished the 2023 season as fantasy's WR22.