Ravens acquire Roquan Smith in trade with Bears
The Chicago Bears traded star linebacker Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens for linebacker A.J. Klein as well as second- and fifth-round picks, a source told Jordan Schultz, theScore's NFL insider.
Both teams later confirmed the trade Tuesday.
A 2 and a 5 in return to the #Bears from the #Ravens for Roquan Smith, a source tells @theScore. https://t.co/An47FWt5jm
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 31, 2022
Smith requested a trade from the Bears earlier this offseason after the two sides couldn't agree on a contract extension. Smith, who's in the final year of his rookie deal, said Chicago's new brass - general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus - didn't value him. However, he later rejoined the team in training camp.
The 25-year-old started eight games for the Bears this season, recording a league-leading 83 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions.
The addition gives the Ravens two first-round picks on their linebacker unit. Smith will likely play alongside 2020 first-rounder Patrick Queen in Baltimore.
Smith is the second player Chicago has dealt prior to the Nov. 1 trade deadline. The Bears sent veteran pass-rusher Robert Quinn to the Philadelphia Eagles for a fourth-round pick earlier in October.
Smith has been a constant starter for Chicago since being selected eighth overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. Across four-plus seasons, the linebacker recorded 607 tackles, 47 tackles for a loss, and seven interceptions.
The Ravens head into Week 9 with a 5-3 record. Their defense ranks fifth in rushing yards allowed per game but is 20th in points allowed.