Jaguars steal veteran DE from Ravens

The Ravens have been in search of another defensive lineman with many believing a deal could be coming soon. However, the Jaguars ended any speculation after stealing the veteran on Friday.

Jacksonville signed defensive end Dawuane Smoot to a one-year contract worth up to $6.25M. The deal comes just one day after NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted Baltimore was set to host Smoot on a visit early next week.

The Ravens have been eyeing more edge-rush help and Smoot would have been a great addition after posting at least five sacks in four straight seasons. But Smoot decided to stay home with the Jaguars who he's spent the first six years of his NFL career with.

Baltimore will now have to look elsewhere. The team does have a track record of adding a veteran pass-rusher late in the summer, signing Justin Houston in July and August the last two offseasons.

Maybe the Ravens will bring back Houston after failing to acquire Smoot. BaltimoreRavens.com writer Clifton Brown believes they will, saying Houston will "be back in Baltimore."

The team also needs a good insurance policy after 2022 second-round pick David Ojabo, who tore his Achilles during his rookie year, and Tyus Bowser missed significant time due to injuries in 2022.

Whatever Baltimore decides, it will likely not forget Jacksonville's slick move when the two teams meet up in Week 15 this season.