NFL Free Agent Rumors: Steve Smith has Baltimore Ravens near top of wish list
By Bryan Rose
The Carolina Panthers opted not to release longtime wide receiver Steve Smith on Tuesday, a shock to many including Smith himself who had hinted he expected to hit the unemployment line.
It’s possible the Panthers opted to hang on to Smith hoping they can trade him and receive an asset in exchange for the 35-year-old, but with no roster bonus due (yet), there wasn’t really any reason for the Panthers to cut Smith on Tuesday.
That’s not to say he won’t be released in the near future, but the Panthers will likely explore all avenues before making that final decision.
If he is cut, Smith reportedly has the Baltimore Ravens near the top of his free agent wish list.
"Should Steve Smith leave Carolina, expect the Ravens to be one of the top teams on his list, according to sources"
As reported earlier this week, the Ravens would love to add Smith so the two sides appear to have mutual interest if he is at some point released by the Panthers.