The Baltimore Ravens reached a deal with a star player on Tuesday who was a pending unrestricted free agent after this season, making him the highest paid player ever at his position.
No, it is not starting quarterback Lamar Jackson. It is middle linebacker Roquan Smith.
The Ravens reportedly agreed to terms with Smith on a five-year, $100 million contract that will make him the highest paid middle linebacker in league history.
The Ravens acquired Smith from the Chicago Bears just before the NFL trade deadline, sending second- and fifth-round picks in 2023 to the Bears.
Smith is one of the league’s best linebackers and has helped Baltimore’s defense reach a top-tier level since his arrival.
In nine games with Smith patrolling the field, Baltimore has allowed just 14.6 points per game. Only two teams (Jacksonville and Cincinnati) scored more than 20 points against the Ravens during that stretch, while neither of them topped the 30-point mark.
Individually, Smith recorded two sacks, seven tackles for loss, an interception and three pass defenses after the trade.
For the season between the two teams he had 4.5 sacks, three interceptions, 11 tackles for loss, four quarterback hits and six pass defenses.
Smith opened the 2022 season in Chicago holding out through the first part of training camp and even requested a trade, as the two sides were unable to agree on a contract extension. He eventually reported to the team and was traded as the Bears’ season started to slip away and it became clear they needed to stockpile picks and were not going to be able to re-sign Smith.
The intrigue now goes back to Jackson and how the Ravens handle that situation as he approaches free agency. He has been their franchise quarterback for four years, led them to the playoffs three times and won an MVP Award. He still does not have a new deal. He could be headed for the franchise tag this offseason.
