Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has conceded that his side will not be able to re-sign wide receiver Torrey Smith if he demands a huge contract from the club.
The 26-year-old will be out of contract when the league year officially ends in March, and is reportedly eyeing a deal in the region of $10m (£6.4m) per year to become one of the highest-paid wideouts in the NFL.
However, Bisciotti has admitted that the Ravens will be unable to match the player's demands if he wishes to receive a contract at the top of his market due to their other commitments on the salary cap.
"We have a history of retaining our players, especially players that have been productive," Bisciotti told reporters. "But also, we have a history of allowing our players to go out and maximise themselves in the market and go and play for other teams.
"Do you hope that Torrey doesn't break the bank out in the open market so we can get him for our number?
"That's a hard thing to say. I care about the kid, I want to maximise his earnings. Some of the numbers thrown out there we can't match. We don't have that kind of space."
Smith has recorded 213 receptions for 3,591 yards and 30 touchdowns in his four seasons with the Ravens.
Simon Sinclair
