Los Angeles Times

Steve Smith signs 3-year deal with Baltimore

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Steve Smith, the longtime Carolina Panthers’ standout wide receiver didn’t waste time finding a new home, signing a three-year contract with the Ravens about 24 hours after being released by Carolina.

The Ravens announced the signing of the 34year-old Smith on Friday.

Smith was released by the Carolina Panthers after 13 seasons. He should provide a solid weapon for quarterbac­k Joe Flacco.

Smith arrived in Baltimore late Thursday night and negotiatio­ns and meetings continued into the early morning hours on Friday.

Smith said he had a contract offer from the San Diego Chargers and canceled a visit with the New England Patriots scheduled for Monday.

Smith ranks 19th in the NFL in career receptions. He caught 64 passes for 746 yards and four touchdowns in 2013.

The Ravens also got a four-year deal to keep linebacker Daryl Smith that solidifies the middle of Baltimore’s defense. In other moves Friday:

Chicago agreed to a one-year contract with twotime Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Tillman. Tillman, 33, is coming off a season limited to eight games because of a torn right triceps.

The Indianapol­is Colts agreed to terms with free-agent receiver Hakeem Nicks. The deal was thought to be for one year.

Eight-year veteran cornerback Cortland Finnegan found a new home in Miami after an injuryplag­ued 2013 with the St. Louis Rams. The also Dolphins added former Rams guard Shelley Smith with a $5.5-million, two-year contract.

Detroit re-signed tight end Brandon Pettigrew, who will get a $16-million, four-year contract with half the money guaranteed. He has 284 receptions for 2,828 yards and 16 touchdowns in five NFL seasons with the Lions.

Green Bay re-signed defensive tackle B.J. Raji to anchor their defensive line.

Suspended former Seattle cornerback Brandon Browner said he has agreed to a contract with the New England Patriots. The team did not confirm the deal, but Browner’s was reportedly worth $17 million over three years.

The Tennessee Titans released Ryan Fitzpatric­k. The 31-year-old quarterbac­k has thrown for 16,790 yards, 106 touchdowns and 93 intercepti­ons in 85 career games.

The Titans also agreed to a multiyear deal with linebacker Wesley Woodyard, who spent the last six years with the Denver Broncos. Tennessee also agreed to a multiyear deal with tackle Michael Oher, who spent his first five seasons with the Ravens.

Minnesota re-signed receiver Jerome Simpson, who bounced back from an injury-plagued first season with the team in 2012 with a solid season.

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