Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith announced via Twitter that he will return for the 2016 season.
Steve Smith will return in 2016, fantasy value unclear
The accomplished receiver will return for a 15th season. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Smith had previously stated that 2015 would be his final year in the NFL, but a torn Achilles tendon threw a wrench in those plans. With a premature injury, and the Ravens enduring a lost season with nine of its projected starters on injured reserve, Smith will give himself another shot to go out on his own terms.
Fantasy impact: The Ravens need all the help they can get in the receiving game, as they have gone to the scrap heap to find viable options other than Smith. It is possible that the Ravens feel that Smith cannot handle a full game's worth of snaps from week-to-week, and it remains to be seen if they would enter 2016 with him as their starting receiver at age 37. Breshad Perriman and Kamar Aiken also figure to be in the mix, but because receiver remains a vast need for the Ravens, it is too early to project Smith's role in the offense.
Fantasy owners in dynasty leagues need to keep Smith on their rosters for now, and will need to let the offseason run its course before determining his status.
