The 2019 NFL season included some noteworthy performances from Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith. With 13 total stops, he led the club in tackles in Week 2’s 16-14 victory over the Denver Broncos.
In Week 11’s 17-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, he recorded 11 tackles and a pick six. In the 24-20 victory over the Detroit Lions in Week 13, he racked up 15 tackles and two sacks. Sadly, Smith had to go on injured reserve after tearing his pectoral in Week 14.
The following year, despite the Bears’ challenges, Smith continued to perform admirably. In Week 9’s 24-17 loss to the Tennessee Titans, he recorded 11 tackles and a sack. In Week 10’s 19-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, he recorded 14 tackles and a sack.
In Week 14, the Houston Texans were defeated 36-7 thanks to his 12 tackles and two sacks. He also recorded two interceptions in a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16, becoming the first linebacker for the Bears to do so since Lance Briggs in 2008.
Did the Bears trade Roquan?
Yes, on October 31, 2022, Smith was exchanged for A. J. Klein and two future draft picks and sent to the Baltimore Ravens. Smith later agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract with the Ravens on January 10, 2023, which will run through 2023.
A total of $60 million in guarantees, including $45 million in fully guaranteed funds, are included in the contract. Smith is now the league’s highest-paid linebacker off the field as a result. It’s remarkable that Smith closed the sale on his own, without the help of a broker.
What did the Bears get out of the Roquan Smith trade?
Along with the fourth-round pick they acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for edge rusher Robert Quinn, the Bears increased their draft capital for the 2023 draft.
They also got linebacker A.J. Klein, who will probably start right away or act as a depth player for undrafted signee Jack Sanborn. Klein, meanwhile, has only participated in two games for the Ravens so far this year.