Last February, the Eagles franchised tight end L.J. Smith even though he was coming off an injury-plagued 2007 season where he played in just 10 games, caught 22 passes for 236 yards and hauled in a lone touchdown. But the team's 2003 second-round pick had been a key cog in Andy Reid's version of the West Coast offense, and seemed worth the average salary of the league's top-five tight ends, especially since it was just a one-year deal.
Smith's numbers improved in '08, but not enough to convince the Eagles to sign him to a long-term deal. His pedestrian numbers (37 catches for 298 yards and three TDs) coupled with Brent Celek's emergence sealed his fate in Philly.
And Wednesday, nearly three weeks into free agency, Smith will finally find a home: the Ravens plan to sign him to a one-year, $1.5 million contract -- a $3-million pay cut for Smith.
The Ravens are looking to improve their depth at tight end. The team currently has Todd Heap, Quinn Sypniewski and Edgar Jones.At first glance, Smith seems like a square peg in Baltimore's round-hole offense. The Ravens are built around a punishing run game that occasionally sets up play-action passes. It's seemingly not the best fit for an all-catch, no-blocking tight end.
Smith, 28, has ties with coach John Harbaugh when they were both with the Philadelphia Eagles. Last season, Smith caught 37 passes for 298 yards and three touchdowns.
But Todd Heap, when healthy, has had plenty of success in Baltimore, and even though Smith isn't as proficient a blocker, he does create matchup problems in passing situations. Obviously, the Ravens have reservations -- they only signed Smith to a one-year deal -- but it's a weapon for a young Joe Flacco desperately in need of them.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-18-2009 @ 5:36AM
wodo78 said...
Smith has been a waste for years. When Smith became a starter was also the same time you noticed that McNabb was getting hit more. How can you be a tightend and not know how to block. Good game plan Reid.
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