Ralph Cindrich, who previously represented Smith, said in a telephone interview that a lengthy dispute between Smith's business advisor, Bobby George, and DeBartolo Sports and Entertainment triggered the end of his business relationship with the former Heisman Trophy winner.

Cindrich said that George sent a letter of termination to the firm on March 12. The NFL Players Association confirmed Wednesday that Smith is now represented by Cornrich.

Cindrich said that he hasn't spoken to Smith about the separation, but said he has no hard feelings toward the former Ohio State star.

"Troy is a great guy," Cindrich said. "I wish whatever differences they had could have been resolved. It was very delicate. I wish Troy the best of luck."

Cindrich said he works for DeBartolo Sports on a consulting basis.

Smith has expressed a desire to be traded through Cindrich, especially to his hometown Cleveland Browns but no market has materialized at this point for him.

The restricted free agent was assigned an original-round tender, a fifth-round selection.

Last month, Cindrich said that Smith "would crawl from Baltimore right now to be able to play in Cleveland.”

Instead of pursuing Smith, Browns team president Mike Holmgren acquired Seneca Wallace in a trade from the Seattle Seahawks.

Cornrich, who's the agent for  Mike Vrabel and several other NFL players, also represents many high-profile coaches.

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.