Jimmy Smith, Ravens cornerback

Before a Lisfranc sprain in his foot ended Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith's season in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals, he was playing like one of the league's best cornerbacks. Opposing quarterbacks hardly bothered to look to Smith's side of the field.

He allowed 20 receptions for 163 yards and no touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus, and barely over two yards after the catch on those receptions. His play stood in stark contrast to the rest of the team's defensive backs, and his absence set off a four-game stretch in which three Pro Bowl quarterbacks threw for a combined 12 touchdowns and 1,143 yards.

The Ravens' picked up Smith's fifth-year option, pushing back their decision on his free agency for a year. If Smith is able to return to form after the injury and stay healthy for the entire season, he's due an enormous payday. Will that come here? Will he secure a big deal elsewhere? Or will the Ravens get leverage if he takes a while to reclaim his prior level of play?

Either way, Smith's return will be fascinating to watch. Shutdown cornerbacks don't come around often, and when they do, they certainly aren't cheap.