Steve Smith Trade Rumors: Latest News, Speculation on WR's Future with Ravens

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. said that he's “still on schedule” to retire after the 2015 season, per Eric Edholm of Yahoo Sports' Shutdown Corner. That's led some, such as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, to opine that the team would be wise to trade Smith to a contender before the trade deadline and get some value for him before he calls it quits.

Continue for updates.

---

Teams Inquiring as Trade Deadline Approaches

Sunday, Nov. 1

"Teams have contacted the Ravens to inquire about availability of [Smith]," reported ESPN's Adam Schefter. "Told, in no uncertain terms, unavailable."

---

Smith's Agent Comments on Smith's Future in NFL

Friday, Oct. 30

Sarah Ellison of BaltimoreRavens.com provided Smith's agent Derrick Fox's comments made to ESPN's Jim Trotter:

"

I'm not 51 percent or 49 percent. I'm right at 50 percent.

I know this guy better than anybody but his wife. I've told him, "I don't think that you're really going to retire." The guy is just an insane competitor, and I think as long as his body works appropriately he's really going to have a hard time next August saying, "Oh, wow. Guys are going to camp." He's never experienced it in his entire life, and he's got a lot left in the tank.

"

---

Ravens Intend to Keep Smith

Thursday, Oct. 22

A source revealed to Edholm that the Ravens aren't willing to give up on the 2015 season and have no intention of trading their top wideout.   

“They’re not punting on the season,” the source said. “They’re not looking to trade [Smith] and they’re still trying to win games. I wouldn’t be shocked if they try to convince him to give it one more go [in 2016].”

---

Smith Still a Valuable Veteran WR

Smith, 36, has shown no signs of slowing down, catching 41 passes for 588 yards and three touchdowns this season. He was excellent for Baltimore last year, nabbing 79 catches for 1,065 yards and six touchdowns while showing instant chemistry with quarterback Joe Flacco.

Smith has proved to be one of the more dynamic playmakers at his position since being selected in the third round by the Carolina Panthers in the 2001 draft. He's gone on to play in five Pro Bowls and has been a first-team All-NFL selection by the Associated Press twice. 

He would absolutely bolster a contender, but if the Ravens think they can dig out of a 1-6 hole—or if they think there is even a sliver of a chance Smith might return for one more season, as he is under contract through 2016—holding on to Smith is the wise choice.

Along with running back Justin Forsett, Smith is a key playmaker for Baltimore's offense, and getting rid of him would leave Joe Flacco without a trusted veteran in the passing game.

On the other hand, if a contending team makes Baltimore a big offer for the wideout and he maintains his plan to retire, the Ravens would be foolish to pass on future assets just to keep a player for what appears to be a lost season.