Before the trade deadline on Tuesday, the Baltimore Ravens added a playmaker to the defense. According to a source with knowledge of the transaction, the Ravens acquired linebacker Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears for linebacker AJ Klein and second and fifth round draft selections in 2023.
Smith, a two-time member of the second team All-Pro, adds depth to the Ravens’ second level. In 69 games with the Bears, the former No. 8 overall selection in 2018 had 607 tackles and seven interceptions. To strengthen a defense that is presently ranked 28th in yards allowed and 20th in points allowed, the Ravens install the tackling machine.
Smith was a potential trade possibility this season after he put in a request for a trade in August and resisted during training camp out of frustration over the Bears’ failure to make an appropriate long-term contract offer. Smith guaranteed his employment wouldn’t be impacted by his contract predicament. Not at all. He has 83 tackles in eight games, which leads the NFL, 2.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, and two interceptions.
