On the same day that Steve Smith will sit down with the Ravens, Baltimore has finalized a deal to keep another Smith around long-term.
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The team on Friday agreed to terms with veteran linebacker Daryl Smith on a four-year, $16.1 million contract, a source informed of the deal told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
The Baltimore Sun reported Wednesday that the Ravens and Smith had reached a "disconnect" on the defender's asking price, but Friday's successful negotiations will ensure that coach John Harbaugh's defense will retain one of its most reliable playmakers.
After spending nine seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Smith led Baltimore in tackles last season during a campaign that saw him miss just two snaps for the Ravens' defense. He finished the year as the league's No. 16 insider 'backer out of 55 qualifying players, according to Pro Football Focus.
Essentially replacing the combination of Ray Lewis and Dannell Ellerbe, Smith excelled against the run and furthered his reputation as one of the NFL's top coverage linebackers.
After what Smith gave the Ravens last season, Friday's deal lines up as another strong move by general manager Ozzie Newsome.
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