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

Baltimore Ravens wideout Steve Smith may return for the 2016 season, despite announcing that he would retire after the 2015 campaign prior to the start of the season.

Continue for updates.

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Smith Considering Return Pending Recovery From Achilles Tear

Sunday, Dec. 20

Smith "is eyeing a return for the 2016 season, provided he's healthy enough to do so, according to people who have stayed in regular contact with him," reported Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. "If Smith feels like his old, explosive self when he fully recovers from his torn Achilles, these sources say he'll play again."

Rapoport also reported that Smith is out of his walking boot and has begun hydrotherapy as he looks to remain strong during the rehabilitation process. 

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Smith Still Has Much to Offer Ravens

Smith, 36, caught 46 passes for 670 yards and three touchdowns in seven games this season. He showed little sign of slowing down in his 15th NFL season, and it isn't hard to imagine him returning next year and continuing to produce at an elite level. He has one year left on a three-year, $10.5 million deal with the Ravens. He was lost for the 2015 season Nov. 1 after tearing his Achilles.

Coming into the 2015 season, Smith had notched 1,000 receiving yards in three of the previous four seasons, remaining a dynamic playmaker well into his 30s. And his coach didn't believe he would end his career on an injury.

"I have a feeling Steve Smith will be back," John Harbaugh said after Smith tore his Achilles, per Jamison Hensley of ESPN. "I love him, respect him, admire him. I told him that. That’s the kind of man he is, and he’ll be back."

The Ravens would surely love to have him back after a disastrous 2015 campaign that saw them also lose quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Justin Forsett to season-ending injuries.