The Ravens didn’t want to risk allowing middle linebacker Roquan Smith to test the free agent market during the offseason, so they made a strong move by locking him up with a contract extension on Tuesday, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation.
It’s reportedly a five-year extension worth $100 million, and Smith, 25, becomes the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL and will remain the centerpiece of a defense that has had a resurgence since he came from the Chicago Bears in a trade in late October. The Ravens gave up second- and fifth-round picks and linebacker A.J. Klein for Smith. Since the move, Baltimore has allowed more than 16 points only twice (notably to playoff teams) in nine games.
According to NFL Network, Smith will receive $60 million guaranteed, and put simply, he’s worth the money. In a league that is getting smaller at linebacker as teams rely more on their passing attack, Smith is an every-down player who can cover as well he plays the run.
