Ravens Make Roquan Smith Highest Paid At His Position
The Baltimore Ravens agreed in principle on Tuesday to make All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith the highest-paid at his position in NFL history with a five-year, $100 million deal, according to a source. He will receive $45 million guaranteed and $60 million in total guarantees. Smith becomes the first off-ball linebacker to get $20 million per year. Baltimore acquired the 25-year-old pass-rusher from the Chicago Bears in late October, and Smith was a force right away for the Ravens, finishing with 86 tackles (51 solo), seven tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception and three passes defensed in nine games. He should once again be a top pick at the linebacker position in IDP fantasy leagues in 2023. Most importantly for the Ravens, the franchise tag remains in play for quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The Baltimore Ravens acquired linebacker Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears on Monday in exchange for linebacker A.J. Klein and second- and fifth-round draft picks, according to a source. The Bears have now traded both Smith and veteran defensive end Robert Quinn (to the Eagles) with the trade deadline approaching on Tuesday. Smith is one of the top IDP linebackers on a weekly basis, as he's recorded a league-high 83 tackles (52 solo), four tackles for loss, three QB hits, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions and three passes defensed in eight games so far in 2022. His addition to the Ravens D will make them more formidable as a fantasy unit, while Chicago's defense has now lost basically their best two players in a matter of days. The move to Baltimore shouldn't affect Smith's fantasy value in IDP formats.
Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (hip) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans. The 25-year-old missed practice time this week, but is still expected to suit up. Through two games this season, Smith has recorded 12 tackles and o.5 sacks. The All-Pro linebacker is a key piece to this defense. His absence would be a significant hit, so fantasy managers who are rostering the Bears defense should check back to make sure Smith is going to play.
Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith was not listed on the team's Week 1 injury report on Wednesday. Smith has been dealing with undisclosed tightness and didn't play in the team's preseason finale as a result. However, he looks good to go for the regular season opener this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The 25-year-old had a career-high 163 tackles (95 solo), three sacks, 12 tackles for loss, four QB hits and an interception returned for a touchdown in 17 starts last year and should be one of the most attractive IDP linebackers on a weekly basis this year as long as he stays healthy.
Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (undisclosed) didn't play during the preseason finale versus the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Matt Eberflus indicated earlier in the week that the starters would log roughly 25-30 plays on Saturday night. However, according to general manager Ryan Poles, Smith experienced "tightness," although he didn't elaborate further. The 25-year-old recently returned to practice after a lengthy hold-in. Yet, after not receiving a more lucrative contract, he will play out the final year of his current deal. Nevertheless, it's likely Smith is fine and didn't feel like participating in exhibition football, so unless something changes regarding his health, he should remain a top IDP fantasy option heading into Week 1.
Roquan Smith Returns To Practice And Plans To Play This Season
Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith returned to practice on Saturday for the first time since requesting a trade. Smith issued a statement, "This is the last year of my deal, and I'm going to bet on myself as I've always done." While this does not entirely rule out a trade, it indicates that Smith intends to play out the final year of his contract before pursuing a new deal next offseason. Nevertheless, his return is excellent news for the Bears defense, a unit that needs all the help it can get heading into the 2022-23 campaign. It's also a welcome update for IDP managers, primarily since Smith has been an efficient fantasy option in those formats over the years.
Roquan Smith Will Travel For Second Preseason Game
Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said that linebacker Roquan Smith, who is still seeking a new contract and has asked to be traded, will travel with the team to Seattle to face the Seahawks in their second preseason game. Smith won't play on Thursday, but Eberflus described him as "engaged." The 25-year-old All-Pro's future with the team remains in doubt, but when on the field, he's the No. 1 target at the linebacker position in IDP leagues. The former first-rounder has had 100-plus combined tackles in all four of his NFL seasons, and he finished 2021 with a career-high 163 tackles (95 solo), three sacks, 12 tackles for loss, four QB hits, an interception returned for a touchdown and three passes defensed in 17 games.
The Chicago Bears removed linebacker Roquan Smith from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Wednesday. Smith has requested a trade and is holding in during training camp due to contractual issues, and he's not expected to begin practicing despite coming off the PUP list. It remains to be seen if the Bears trade him or give him a long-term contract extension before the 2022 regular season. Either way, the 25-year-old will be in play as the first linebacker off the board in IDP fantasy drafts. In 17 games for the Bears last year, he had a career-high 163 tackles (95 solo), three sacks, 12 tackles for loss, four QB hits, an interception returned for a touchdown and three passes defensed to finish as the No. 4 fantasy linebacker.
Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith has been an integral part of the team's defense since he was drafted eighth overall in 2018. The Bears have traded away some big names from their once fierce defense, including Khalil Mack, and it appears Smith could be next. Smith released a statement officially requesting a trade, reporting the new management regime "won't negotiate in good faith" and "doesn't value me here." Smith is one of the few remaining superstars on this team, so losing him would big a big blow.
Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (undisclosed) was placed on the PUP list on Wednesday. However, head coach Matt Eberflus declined to specify a reason, telling reporters, "I'm not going to talk about a bunch of injuries or this and that." The All-Pro wasn't expected to participate in training camp due to contract issues, so the latest update adds more uncertainty that he'll be on the field for Week 1. The 25-year-old has been dominant throughout his four years in the league, and he finished the 2021-22 season by compiling 95 total tackles, three sacks, and one interception. Smith is certainly a top IDP option under normal circumstances. Yet, with the recent development, his fantasy stock may decline. It will slide even more if whatever issue he's dealing with is serious.
