Ravens want to extend the Smiths this offseason

1st and 2nd round draft picks, Torrey and Jimmy Smith are both heading into the final seasons of their rookie contracts. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti would like to see Torrey signed to a long term deal before the draft takes place in May. When talking to Matt Zenitz of the Carroll County Times, Bisciotti had this to say:

He’s scheduled to make very little money relative to his accomplishments in his fourth year of a second-round rookie deal, so we can give him a really good deal and not impact our salary cap negatively, so nothing would make me happier if before the draft

While Jimmy Smith is entering the final year of his rookie contract, because he is a 1st round pick, the Ravens have the option to pick up a 5th year. With Torrey Smith, the Ravens are locked because he was a 2nd round pick and would be forced to give him a new contract.

During the NFL owners meetings, head coach John Harbaugh commented:

We want those guys to be Ravens for a long time

Signing Torrey Smith might prove to be a smart move if we can get it done this offseason as the free agent market hasn't been as friendly to wide receivers as past years. Combine the possible long term savings for the Ravens with Torrey's desire to upgrade his salary from roughly $837,168 and stay in Baltimore and it looks like the 2 teams might be able to reach an agreement within the next month.

After the season, Torrey had expressed interest in staying with the team that drafted him and staying in the area he grew up and played for in college

This is where I want to be, everybody knows that, so I’m not really worried about that

I know I’m going to be here next season, so that’s the only thing I worry about. I’m trying to be the best I can be for the Ravens, and hopefully down the road that’s something that will be addressed and I’ll still be right here.

Both players are coming off excellent seasons that saw them grow as players and community leaders. Torrey notched his best statistical season with 65 receptions and 1,128 yards. Jimmy finally had the mental game match the physical tools that made him a 1st round pick by seeing time as a starter and grabbing 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.

The Ravens would clearly be smart to lock both of these young players up long term and enter the draft truly looking for the best player available.