Cornerback Jimmy Smith and wide receiver Torrey Smith are both heading into the final seasons of their rookie contracts, but the Ravens have no plans of letting them leave any time soon.
The top two picks of the Ravens' 2011 draft class have emerged as budding stars in the NFL, and the Ravens are interested in working out long-term extensions with both of them.
"We want those guys to be Ravens for a long time," Head Coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings.
The two Smiths are in somewhat different situations, as the Ravens have the ability to pick up a fifth-year option for Jimmy. The additional option year is in play for Jimmy because he was a first-round pick.
"We have no doubt that we'll be investing the option in Jimmy when the time comes," Harbaugh said. "We are hopeful that we can sign Jimmy long term. That will be our goal."
Torrey is not eligible for the additional option because he was a second-round pick. Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti said that the Ravens want to work out an extension with Torrey before the season, and ideally even have a new deal in place before the NFL Draft in early may.
"He's scheduled to make very little money relative to his accomplishments in his fourth year of a second-round rookie deal, so we can give him a really good deal and not impact our salary cap negatively," Bisciotti told the Carroll County Times. "So nothing would make me happier if before the draft [that can be worked out]."
Harbaugh did not provide specifics on a potential extension with Torrey, but stressed that he wants to lock up the team's No. 1 receiver.
"I know [I] want him long term," Harbaugh said.
The wide receiver has also stressed that he wants to stay in Baltimore for the long haul. He grew up in nearby Virginia and attended the University of Maryland, and has become active in the Baltimore community.
"This is where I want to be, everybody knows that, so I'm not really worried about that," Torrey said at the end of the 2013 season. "I know I'm going to be here next season, so that's the only thing I worry about. I'm trying to be the best I can be for the Ravens, and hopefully down the road that's something that will be addressed and I'll still be right here."
Both players are coming off the best seasons of their careers. Torrey led the Ravens with 65 catches for 1,128 yards and took over the No. 1 receiver role. Jimmy came a full-time starter for the first time of his career, and finished the season with 58 tackles, two interceptions and 16 passes defensed.
