Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Andre Smith is using the league’s voluntary opt-out provision, deciding to sit out the 2020 NFL season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Smith is the second Ravens player to opt out, joining wide receiver and return specialist De’Anthony Thomas.
Smith was initially signed by Baltimore late last season, just prior to their playoff appearance, not appearing in any games. The Ravens re-signed him to a one-year deal this offseason. Smith has been in the league for 11 years after being selected sixth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2009 NFL Draft. Though Smith is no longer a starting option, his experience looked to be invaluable to Baltimore considering how thin they are at the position and their Super Bowl aspirations.
The decision to opt out of the season leaves Baltimore pretty shallow at offensive tackle, after cutting James Hurst this offseason. Outside of the starting pair of Ronnie Stanley and Orlando Brown Jr., Smith and D.J. Fluker were the only players on the roster with starting experience at tackle. Smith has now opted out and Fluker is expected to compete for the now vacant right guard job following the retirement of Marshal Yanda this offseason, leaving the primary backup job likely to rookie Tyre Phillips.
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