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.
Smith will have plenty of time to pick up the playbook. Because the Saints and Ravens aren’t going to play until Monday night, he’ll have all three days of practice to work on the field, with Tuesday and Wednesday to work in the classroom. He’ll be a problem for New Orleans — Smith is one of two players to log multiple seasons with 100-plus tackles, 10-plus tackles for loss, and 3 or more sacks over the last four years (the other being Demario Davis).
He’s gone 0-2 against the Saints before while playing for the Bears, totaling 18 combined tackles (16 solo) with 2 tackles for loss and 2 pass deflections. But the Saints are 2-5 against the Ravens in series history with both of their victories coming on the road. New Orleans needs to rally at home against Smith and his new team.
