Ravens WR Steve Smith Expected To Return For 2016 Season, Despite Retirement Talk

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Ravens WR Steve Smith is eyeing a return for the 2016 season, as long as he’s healthy enough to do so.

Smith suffered a torn Achilles several weeks ago, but assuming he feels like his old self again, sources have told Rapoport that he’ll be back with the Ravens in 2016.

Smith announced his retirement prior to the start of the season. However, there’s been some skepticism that this was really it for Smith.

According to Rapoport, Smith has dabbled in business and began the process of preparing for a life after football. But he’s not quite ready to completely commit to life after the NFL.

The Ravens have made it clear that they want Smith back next year, so that won’t be an issue.

Smith, 36, has two years remaining on his three-year, $10.5 million contract and stands to make a base salary of $3 million this year and next.

This season, Smith has appeared in seven games and caught 46 passes for 670 yards receiving and three touchdowns for the Ravens.