Steve Smith to be pursued by Baltimore Ravens

Steve Smith's days with the Carolina Panthersare over. He shouldn't be out of work for long.

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NFL Media's Albert Breer reported Thursday that the Baltimore Ravens will be in fast pursuit of the veteran wide receiver upon his release. According to Breer, a deal could materialize quickly.

If Smith has anything left in the tank at 35, he should be a good fit in a Ravens offense that never adequately replaced Anquan Boldin last season. Smith would ostensibly work in the slot with Jacoby Jones (re-signed Wednesday) and Torrey Smith on the outside and a healthy Dennis Pitta at tight end.

Suddenly, Joe Flacco will have a legit roll call of playmakers.

Smith shouldn't be an assumed slam dunk for the Ravens, of course. His play fell off significantly in 2013, and Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman essentially paid Smith to go away. The Panthers did their franchise star wrong in their handling of the situation, but their internal view of Smith as a player raises red flags.

That said, Smith makes sense for the Ravens at the right price in a supporting role. Finally, something to put on your calendar: The Panthers will visit the Ravens this season.

The latest "Around The League Podcast" recaps the wild start of free agency.