Just a few days ago, Chicago Bears veteran linebacker Roquan Smith got emotional at a press conference when he learned that well-respected teammate Robert Quinn was being traded to the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. Now, Smith is the one being traded from the team.
According to league insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Chicago Bears are trading veteran linebacker Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens ahead of Tuesday afternoon’s league-wide trade deadline.
After a frustrating summer of long-term contract negotiations, Chicago moves on with a 2nd rounder and a fifth-rounder coming back. Meanwhile, Baltimore acquires a defensive leader and star defender. https://t.co/Rfo70rlGUt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2022
“After a frustrating summer of long-term contract negotiations, Chicago moves on with a 2nd rounder and a fifth-rounder coming back. Meanwhile, Baltimore acquires a defensive leader and star defender,” Rapoport said in a Tweet on Monday afternoon.
The move comes after Smith requested a trade from the organization back in August after contract negotiations stalled, saying “the new front office regime doesn’t value me here” and saying that the team “refused to negotiate in good faith.” Smith was in the final year of his contract with the team and sat out the entire preseason as he sought either a trade or a new contract.
Now, Smith is joining the Ravens, and the NFL world had plenty to say about it on Twitter.
Roquan Smith has been one of the most productive linebackers in pursuit, coverage, and pass rushing since entering the NFL in 2018:
🔸 330 defensive stops (1st in NFL)
🔸 6.4% sack rate (1st, min. 200 pass rushes)
🔸 5.9 yards per target (4th, min. 200 targets)#RavensFlock https://t.co/6YVAqPJ41r pic.twitter.com/OzUcABKchy— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 31, 2022
Just in time to play the Saints… https://t.co/ledvGePhuh pic.twitter.com/E2sWoteu6d
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) October 31, 2022
Baltimore is so good at building their roster when it doesn't have to do with getting good WRs for Lamar Jackson https://t.co/O5F28KrtIl
— Louie DiBiase (@DiBiaseLOE) October 31, 2022
Knew they #Ravens would be aggressive. That'll send a jolt to a team that is rounding into form. https://t.co/e3Y4pR5Ano
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) October 31, 2022
Wow! The tank is fully on! https://t.co/Hw81RyhNOu
— David Kaplan (@thekapman) October 31, 2022
Another big trade before Tuesday's trade deadline. The Bears have traded away their two best defensive players from a year ago, including the NFL's leading tacklerthis year in Smith. https://t.co/NkQN5BJj1M
— Marshall Harris (@mharrisonair) October 31, 2022
Fire sale in Chicago. The #Bears know they're in rebuilding mode and do the right thing. https://t.co/RbyZ7qmfOs
— Wendell Ferreira (@wendellfp) October 31, 2022
A look at the #Bears upcoming offseason:
Set to have over $100M in cap space, by far the most in the NFL.
Draft picks:
1st
2nd
2nd (via BAL)
3rd
4th
4th (via PHI)
5th
5th (via BAL)
7thWill be very busy in Chicago.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 31, 2022
Full compensation update: As part of the trade to deal LB Roquan Smith to Baltimore, the #Bears are acquiring LB A.J. Klein from the #Ravens as well, in addition to their 2nd and 5th round pick.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 31, 2022
It’s clear that the Bears are in the midst of a rebuild while the Ravens are attempting to win this season. Given that, the move makes complete sense for both sides.
