Ravens Expected To Pick CB Jimmy Smith’s 2015 Option

Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com mentions that the Baltimore Ravens are expected to pick up CB Jimmy Smith‘s 2015 option this offseason.

This comes from an article looking at other potential roster cuts for the Ravens. However, Hensley writes that the Ravens are unlikely to part ways with Smith seeing as they stuck by him during his struggles.

Interestingly enough, Pro Football Talk and Jason Cole mentioned last night that some around the league believe every first-round in the 2011 draft class will have their 2015 options picked up based on the fact that the salary, no matter how high it would be, aren’t guaranteed.

These options are based on the top 10 salaries for a given player’s position, so even though it’s doubtful that Baltimore would keep Smith at nearly $10 million for the 2015 season, they could negotiate a long-term extension either this offseason or possibly during the season. In the event that Smith turns into one of the best cornerbacks in the league, they would at least have in under contract in 2015.

Last year, Smith totaled 59 tackles, two interceptions and three forced fumbles for the Ravens over the course of 16 games. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 36 cornerback in the league.