The NFL trade deadline has seen another star moved ahead of its 4 p.m. ET Tuesday cutoff, with the Bears trading standout linebacker Roquan Smith to the Ravens. In return, the Ravens sent the Bears second- and fifth-round picks in the 2023 draft, per Adam Schefter.
Smith, who requested a trade ahead out of Chicago during the preseason, leads the league in tackles at 83 to this point in the year.
It’s an interesting move for the Bears, who are 3-5 on the season. It’s a move out of another sport, as Smith will be a free agent in 2023 and publicly asked for a trade before the season started.
For the Ravens, the move bolsters a defense that needs bolstering. Baltimore is eighth against the run and 30th against the pass, with only the Steelers and Falcons being below them in the latter. He’ll likely play alongside Patrick Queen in the Ravens’ 3-4 defense, which should be a formidable linebacker duo with Josh Bynes battling injury.
MORE: NFL trade deadline tracker: Latest rumors, news, updates & more
Roquan Smith trade details
Per Adam Schefter, the Ravens acquired Smith for about the going rate of a rental player.
- Ravens receive: LB Roquan Smith
- Bears receive: LB A.J. Klein, 2023 second-round pick, 2023 fifth-round pick
The Bears’ move to deal Smith on the heels of last week’s trade of Robert Quinn to the Eagles clearly indicates that they’re stockpiling picks.
Bears 2023 draft picks:
1st round (own)
2nd round (own)
2nd round (Ravens)
3rd round (own)
4th round (own)
4th round (Eagles)
5th round (own)
5th round (Ravens)
7th round (own)Plus over $100M in salary cap space to upgrade the roster.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 31, 2022
They’ve now added five draft picks between the two players, and both will be free agents after the Eagles voided the final two years of Quinn’s contract.
Smith was visibly emotional when Quinn was traded to the Eagles last week, and he indicated missing Quinn affected the Bears defense in the 49-29 loss to the Cowboys last week.
These moves have also freed up over $100 million in salary cap space, indicating the Bears plan on having a very aggressive offseason.
Roquan Smith contract
Smith was on the last year of his rookie contract this season, and he was in line to be paid top dollar this offseason.
Smith’s contract is a four-year, $18.5 million deal and he will be a free agent after the season ends.
