The Bears’ teardown continued on Monday afternoon with a deal sending star linebacker Roquan Smith to the Ravens, according to multiple reports
Smith was Chicago’s top defensive player and is due a long-term contract after the 25-year-old and the Bears could not agree on an extension this offseason. The Bears got back second- and fifth-round selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, ESPN.com reported. Fox Sports was the first to report news of the trade.
The Bears traded pass rusher Robert Quinn to the Eagles last week for a fourth-round pick. Smith was talking to the media when Quinn’s trade went through and got emotional before calling the press conference short.
Roquan Smith sacks Carson Wentz in a Bears-Commanders game on Oct. 13, 2022. Getty Images
Roquan Smith takes a selfie with Bears fans on Sept. 25, 2022. USA TODAY SportsSmith was a hold-in for much of the Bears’ training camp as he and first-year GM Ryan Poles negotiated a new deal. The talks turned ugly and Smith, who was representing himself, released a scathing statement on the team.
“The deal sent to me is one that would be bad for myself, and for the entire LB market if I signed it,” Smith wrote on Aug. 11. “I’ve been trying to get something done that’s fair since April, but their focus has been taking advantage of me.”
According to The Athletic, Smith — an off-ball linebacker — played every down on defense this season for the 3-5 Bears. Smith has 83 tackles, 2 ½ sacks and two interceptions. He was fifth in the NFL last season with 163 overall tackles.
Roquan Smith is the latest Bears star to be dealt ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Getty ImagesThe deal, which gives the contending Ravens a key piece in the middle of their defense, comes 24 hours before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday. The Ravens are currently 5-3 and leading the AFC North. It is unclear if they will look to sign Smith to a long-term deal or view this as more of a rental.
