Assuming, as expected, the Panthers fail to find a trading partner for wide receiver Steve Smith, they are expected to cut him loose to find a new home in the open market.
Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Ravens are “expected to emerge as a strong potential landing spot” for Smith if and when that comes to pass. The Ravens are definitely in the market for help at wideout this offseason and Smith would make a nice fit across from Torrey Smith in the role that Anquan Boldin played during the team’s Super Bowl run.
Steve Smith turns 35 in May and isn’t quite the same receiver he was earlier in his career, but he’s still a tough and productive player who would do some of what the Ravens were missing in the passing game last season.
Wilson also mentions the Buccaneers as a team that “makes a lot of sense” as a landing spot for the veteran wideout, although it is unclear how their uncertain quarterback situation might impact Smith’s decision about where to go after his long run in Carolina comes to an end.