Steve L Smith

The Baltimore Ravens said they won't trade wide receiver Steve L Smith, even though it's in the best interest of the team and the the five-time Pro Bowl player to do so if Smith does intend to retire at the end of the season.

A trade would give the one-win Ravens an additional draft pick that's needed to help rebuild the team, and Smith would play his final season for a Super Bowl contender.

So, why won't Baltimore deal Smith? Perhaps the Ravens believe Smith is wavering about this being his final season, and the next 10 weeks gives them a chance to persuade him to come back.

Last week, Smith told Baltimore reporters as well as Arizona reporters on a conference call that he remains "on schedule" for what he announced earlier this year. The fact that he doesn't even say the word "retirement" makes it sound like he's not as definitive as he was two months ago. If Smith wants to end speculation that he is contemplating delaying retirement for a season, all he has to say is he's definitely retiring at the end the year and nothing will change his mind. But he hasn't, and the Ravens have to be pleased that he hasn't, the story said.