Daryl Smith: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Free-Agent LB

Mike ChiariMar 17, 2016

Linebacker Daryl Smith is looking to continue his NFL career, and the 34-year-old veteran may have that opportunity thanks to interest on the free-agent market.

Continue for updates.

Smith Taking Part in Free-Agent Visit

Thursday, March 17

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Smith will visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Baltimore Ravens released Smith this offseason after three productive seasons with the team that saw him register at least 120 tackles during each campaign and a total of nine sacks during that time frame.

Baltimore's decision was about saving money more so than performance, as general manager Ozzie Newsome praised the former second-round pick out of Georgia Tech, per Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com:

"
While we are releasing Daryl, we are not closing the door on the possibility of him returning to the Ravens. He deserves an opportunity to see his market value at this time. With 'Buck,' you're talking about one of the NFL's highest-quality people. We have been fortunate to have him with the Ravens, and his production has been outstanding.
"

Although a return to the Ravens is still possible, Smith could be a potentially great fit in Tampa Bay due to his ties with several members of the coaching staff, according to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times:

Smith began his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars and was part of the organization from 2004-2012. Because of that, he is quite familiar with the state of Florida as well as Tampa's Jags-centric group of coaches.

While Smith has amazingly never made the Pro Bowl over the course of his career, he has been extremely consistent during his 12-year NFL career.

With 30.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles and 11 interceptions to his credit, he is a playmaker who is capable of changing the course of a game.

The Bucs have a pair of solid linebackers in Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander, but Smith would fill a hole in the other starting spot current occupied by Danny Lansanah.

Should Tampa Bay manage to sign Smith, though, it will suddenly have one of the most impressive and instinctive linebacker groups in football.

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