Jimmy Smith pens four-year contract extension with Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith has signed a four-year contract extension to remain with the AFC North side until the end of the 2018 season.

The 26-year-old struggled to make an impact in his first two years with John Harbaugh's men, but became an integral part of the defense in the 2013 campaign.

Smith continued to play at a high level in the 2014 season before a Lisfranc injury ended his year after just eight matches.

However, the Ravens have been impressed enough with the cornerback's play to reward him with a long-term deal worth up to $48m (£31.9m), with $21m (£13.9m) guaranteed.

Smith told the club's official website: "I'm tremendously happy. I plan on getting [Super Bowl] rings. For me it was never truly about being the highest paid corner.

"I knew I couldn't be that on this team and be here just because of the talent already spread around. You have to pay other people, so I knew that going into it."

Smith has recorded 140 tackles and five interceptions in his four years with the Ravens.