Jimmy Smith Ravens reach contract extension

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The have secured the long-term future of their best defensive back.  The team announced Tuesday that cornerback has verbally . NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports it's a four-year deal worth $48 million with $21 million guaranteed.  A first-round draft pick in 2011, Smith was due to  Shane Baz Jersey earn $6.898 million in the final year of his rookie contract.  On the heels of a , Smith had been playing at a level for two months last year before a Lisfranc injury .  The ' long-term commitment is a sign that Smith is progre sing well in his return from surgery. Coach John Harbaugh suggested in January that Smith would be ready for offseason practices in May.  Smith, 26, is one of Baltimore's most valuable defensive players, as veteran was exposed against top receivers down the stretch last year.  With Smith locked up for the foreseeable future and recent draft picks such as linebacker , defensive end and nose tackle taking on the look of budding stars, general manager Ozzie Newsome has succeeded in restocking his defense following the lo ses of future rs Ray Lewis and Ed Reed in 2013.  The latest Podcast grading the primetime games and highlighting the Week 1 matchups. Find more content on .  Jim Bibby Jersey