Deadlines spur action, and the annual NFL trade deadline (falling on Nov. 2 this year) prompted the Baltimore Ravens to trade for Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith ahead of their Week 9 game with the New Orleans Saints. Smith is seeking a long-term contract, and playing the second half of the regular season next to standout linebacker Patrick Queen will do a lot to raise his profile.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported news of the deal, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter clarifying the compensation for Chicago: second- and fifth-round draft picks in 2023. Ironically, former Saints linebacker A.J. Klein was also included in the trade, going to Chicago. Not a bad price for Baltimore to acquire the former No. 8 overall draft pick.
