This Starter Won't Be Back With the Ravens After 2020

The Baltimore Ravens were one of the most intriguing and exciting teams to watch in 2019. Despite their shocking exit in the AFC Divisional Round to the Tennessee Titans, they are poised to return in 2020 and be in the chase for the Super Bowl.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson is returning for what most expect to be another 1000-yard-plus season on the ground, complemented by a core of young, talented receivers and running backs. Key veteran players like Mark Ingram will be healthy, and the front office has further fortified the defense with experienced players to contain high-powered offenses like the Chiefs.

With that being said, much of the Ravens' success in 2019, and presumably 2020, comes from their youth on the roster. Over the past few seasons, many of Baltimore's veterans have either retired or found residence elsewhere. This is why we could see the Ravens part with some more of their vets.

Cornerback Jimmy Smith is one of these veterans.

Jimmy Smith is entering his 10th season in the NFL, returning to the Ravens after signing a one-year, $3.5 million deal. Head coach John Harbaugh wanted the team to bring him back as a veteran presence in the secondary, despite his decline in production primarily due to an MCL sprain.

Although Smith was pretty productive in the nine games he played, collecting 28 solo tackles, a sack, and an interception, it is youth that the Ravens want to focus on moving forward. With three stars in the secondary, including Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, the Ravens probably won't have much use for Smith in live snaps, after proving he was largely unnecessary last year.

The aforementioned corners have performed exceptionally for the defense in the absence of veterans like Smith, which shows progression, and perhaps discounts the need for vets to grow the younger players.

With youth taking the stage for the Ravens, it might be time for Jimmy Smith to leave the Ravens flock sooner rather than later.