Steve Smith chooses Ravens over Seahawks, Patriots, Chargers and Redskins

Steve Smith signed a 3-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens on Friday, a day after he was released by the Carolina Panthers.

Though Smith chose to sign with Baltimore, he had no shortage of offers or interest.

According to Ravens reporter Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun, Smith said he had an offer from the San Diego Chargers. Smith also said the Seahawks, Patriots and Redskins wanted him to come for a visit. Bill Belichick even spoke to him personally told him that the Patriots wanted to bring him in. Smith cancelled his Monday visit to New England after signing his deal with the Ravens.

Smith’s deal will pay him $1 million next season and includes a $3.5 million signing bonus.

Though Smith turns 35 in May and had declining production last season, this list of interested teams shows us that many franchises out there still believe Smith can be a good, productive player. That’s what we’ve been saying all along.

This is a good addition for the Ravens at a fair price. We don’t expect Smith to make it to his third year with the team or maybe even his second, but he should be good to go next season.