Once again, there has been a Jimmy Smith suspension handed down from the National Football League. Throughout his career, the character issues with the Baltimore Ravens cornerback have big a big concern. Adding injury to the insult, he has dealt with a season-ending Achilles injury in 2017 as well. As Smith is now 30, the team finds themselves questioning his future in Baltimore.
The Future of Cornerback Jimmy Smith With the Baltimore Ravens
The Suspensions and Missed Games
Since he came into the league in 2011, Smith has missed 26 games. This is before adding in the newest four-game suspension. That means he will have missed 30 of a possible 116 games, or just over 25 percent of the Ravens games in that time. Eight of these games are from suspension, with the remainder due to injury. If you want to phrase it as lucky, Smith’s four-game suspension in 2017 was allowed to be taken while he was injured. The newest suspension comes from an incident in November that can be filed as domestic abuse/violence.
Smith’s former girlfriend and mother of his three-year-old child filed charges against him. They stated he got physical with her and used illicit drugs in front of their son. Smith has since denied the allegations, but the league came down on him nonetheless. Baltimore knew about the incident when it occurred. The prior four-game suspension and injury saved the team from having to make a decision about playing Smith while the case was decided.
After the Ravens spoke with experts, men and women in the organization, they decided on allowing Smith to return once the suspension ends. The Ravens came to the conclusion that he understands what happened, has asked for forgiveness, and has since taken responsibility for his actions. After taking evaluations, and agreeing to follow up treatment, Smith will be eligible to return Week Five against the Cleveland Browns.
The Last Word on Jimmy Smith
The Ravens find themselves in a tough situation. Smith is the most talented corner on the team, and one of the more talented outside corners in the NFL. 2018 will be Smith’s age 30 season, and his contract is nearly up. After the year ends, the team can cut ties with Smith and his $15.85 million remaining on his contract. They will have $6.35 million in dead money, but the $9.5 million in savings likely looks very tantalizing.
How Smith plays the remaining 12 games of 2018, and if he is healthy enough to play them, is going to play a large factor in his status on the team. Corners rarely excel in their early 30s, and the price tag isn’t cheap. With the two suspensions under his belt and a major Achilles injury, there is a multitude of questions surrounding him. Smith finds himself surrounded by on and off the field issues. Heading into 2018, he will be the most interesting defender to watch on the Ravens this year.
