Saturday’s loss to the Patriots brought an end to the Ravens season, but it didn’t bring an end to wide receiver Steve Smith’s career.
Smith wrapped up his first season in Baltimore with three catches for 49 yards and a touchdown in a losing effort that he hopes to replace with a longer playoff run next season. Smith said before the season that he was rethinking earlier plans to retire after the 2014 season and took to Instagram to confirm that those plans remain on hold.
“Thank you so much for embracing me. I hoped for a good season and now I look back it was a GREAT season this old man played for you and my teammates. I’ve enjoyed every moment and couldn’t have asked for a better fan base. Look forward to a better season next year and watch us go WIN IT ALL. #agent89 Out,” Smith wrote.
Smith’s 79 catches and 1,065 yards led the Ravens in 2014 and the possible loss of Torrey Smith in free agency makes his return a significant one for the offense. He has two years left on the deal he signed with Baltimore last year.
Defensive end Chris Canty isn’t as sure about 2015. Canty dealt with wrist and ankle injuries this season and he’s going to take some time to figure out if he wants to return for another year in the grind.
“You have to think about your future. You have to think, ‘Can your body take the pounding going through a regular season and being able to stay healthy?’ The last couple of years, I’ve been pretty banged-up,” Canty said, via the Baltimore Sun. “So, it’s a situation where I’ll take some time away from the game, spend some time with my family and make a decision when we have to make a decision.”
Canty has played 10 years in the NFL with the Cowboys, Giants and Ravens and has one year left on his contract should he decide to return.