Released by the Steelers after 13 seasons, defensive end Aaron Smith sounds more likely to retire than find another team that will pay him.
“We’re celebrating [13] years of having the privilege of playing for the Steelers, and Aaron is celebrating having more time with his five kids and wife. There are no hard feelings,” Peter Schaffer told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
That doesn’t sound like a player that is looking for an incentive-laden minimum salary deal. Hines Ward is determined to keep playing football, but Smith wants to spend time with his family.
Tom Curran of CSNNE.com wonders if the Patriots might give Smith a call to see if he’s truly ready to retire. Bill Belichick has always been a huge vocal admirer of Smith.
Based on Schaffer’s words, it sounds like Smith isn’t ready to commit to playing again.