RAVENS SIGN L.J. SMITH
Posted by Mike Florio on March 17, 2009, 5:04 p.m. EDT
We just wrapped up a spot on 105.7 the Fan in Baltimore with Scott Garceau and Anita Marks, during which they reiterated their report that free-agent tight end L.J. Smith would/could be signing with the Ravens.
So after ending the call we decided to poke around a bit, and we confirmed that, indeed, Smith already has been signed.
Per a league source, it’s a one-year, $1.5 million deal.
Smith was the Eagles’ franchise player in 2008, but they made no serious bid to keep him this time around. He reportedly had narrowed his choices to Atlanta and Detroit. On Monday, however, word broke that the Falcons were out of the running.
It’s unknown what this development means for veteran Todd Heap, who is due to earn a base salary of $3.6 million in 2009.
Coach John Harbaugh is closely familiar with Smith, given that Harbaugh served as an assistant coach in Philadelphia during most of Smith’s career there.
UPDATE: Technically, the agreement has been reached in principle; Smith has to pass a physical.
Not sure if I'd want him over Tony Scheffler but Heaps a beast. Something different to discuss at least.