Torrey Smith Says He’s Signing With A New Team, Likely The 49ers?

March 8, 2015

Update:

Free agent WR Torrey Smith announced that he’s signing with a new team on his website.

I will be playing for a different organization, but I will remain committed to the City of Baltimore. I will continue to give back and help build a better future for our young men and women. MY COMMITMENT TO THE CITY IS FOR LIFE. This isn’t a goodbye because I will still be around and Baltimore will continue to be my home in the offseason and when my career is done. I’m on to the next chapter of my life and football career, but I will see you guys later.

To the Baltimore Ravens Organization, good luck! Thank you, Baltimore! Love!

Mike Garafolo reports that the expectation is that he’s signing with the San Francisco 49ers.

————

Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports that there is “strong mutual interest” between free agent WR Torrey Smith and the 49ers.

According to Wilson, nothing is finalized between the two parties of now, but a source referred to San Francisco as the “frontrunner” among Smith’s suitors.
ESPN’s Adam Caplan reports that unless the cost is too great for the 49ers, he believes they’ll get a deal done.
Caplan adds that the Colts and Texans are also interested in Smith.
Aaron Wilson previously estimated that Smith could get $8 million to $9 million annually in his next contract.

All indications are that Smith won’t be back in Baltimore next year, as owner Steve Bisciotti indicated that it wouldn’t make a lot of sense to overpay Smith, even though they could use some help at receiver.

“There’s always a team that has lots of money that wants to bring in playmakers,” Bisciotti said, via ESPN.com. “Those guys are going to get those deals. I think we’re going to have to take it on the chin and move on.”

Smith, 25, finished up his four-year, $3,389,232 million rookie contract with the Ravens and will now be an unrestricted free agent in the coming months.

Over the course of 16 games, Smith caught 49 passes for 767 yards and a career best 11 touchdowns. His yardage totals are down from last year when posted 65 receptions for 1,128 yards receiving.

Pro Football Focus has Smith rated as the No. 37 receiver out of 110 qualifying players. We have him listed as the No. 25 player in our Top 100 Free Agents.