ESPN’s Adam Caplan reports that the 49ers are “very interested” in signing Ravens free agent WR Torrey Smith.
- Caplan mentions that the 49ers really need a deep-threat receiver and views Smith as one of the best in this year’s free agent class.
- Earlier in the day, Caplan suggests the 49ers and Texans as two teams to keep an eye on for Smith.
- Aaron Wilson adds several teams are interested in Smith, who 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.”
The receiver market also includes Randall Cobb and Jeremy Maclin, but those two could be under contract before the start of free agency, which could leave Smith as one of the best available receivers.
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.
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