Torrey Smith to 49ers: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

After spending the first four years of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens, Torrey Smith decided to move on to a new franchise.

The wide receiver has reportedly signed a five-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Pro Football Talk added that it's a $40 million deal with over $22 million guaranteed.

Smith presented both the Ravens and other potential suitors with a big question this offseason: Is he a No. 1 wide receiver, and if not, how much should he earn?

Over the last few years, Smith has been a bit of a bargain. Even his top base salary—$837,168 in 2014—placed him just 70th on the list of highest-paid WRs in the league.

While Smith has proved himself worthy of a better deal, it was unclear what his value would be on the open market.

Smith has had games where he looked unstoppable—most notably in the divisional round against the Denver Broncos on Jan. 12, 2013. He only caught the ball three times but still amassed 98 receiving yards and two touchdowns, helping Baltimore to an upset victory on its way to a Super Bowl title.

On the whole, however, the 26-year-old has failed to emerge as a consistent pass-catcher.

After a strong 2013 campaign in which he had 65 receptions for 1,128 yards and four touchdowns, Smith responded by tying a career worst for catches (49) and setting a career low for receiving yards (767). His 11 touchdowns, though, were his most in any year.

Overall, it wasn't the kind of season that elevated him in terms of perception. Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun wrote on Dec. 29 that Smith's stock didn't see an appreciable rise between last year and now:

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But there are a couple things that have hurt Torrey Smith this season. He drops passes because he catches with his chest instead of getting his arms and hands extended away from his body. And he still hasn't proven that he is more than just a speed receiver because he only seems to be productive in running slant-ins, go routes and post patterns. Curls and comebacks?

That's not his forte.

And then there is the absence of a mean streak. Torrey Smith is just too nice. He is the kind of player every father wants his daughter to date, the man who is always in a picture with a bunch of kids or petting some dog.

"

For both Smith and the 49ers, this deal is a calculated gamble.

Smith is leaving Joe Flacco, the only NFL quarterback he's ever known—one whose cannon arm suited Smith's game perfectly. By moving away from Baltimore, though, he may have opportunities never afforded to him with the Ravens.

San Francisco is hoping Smith will grow into more than a speedster with a limited route tree. He will always be a downfield threat, but Smith needs to round out his game in order to become a more reliable receiver and validate the 49ers' leap of faith.