Roquan Smith has agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens, a team source confirmed on Wednesday. According to the NFL Network, Smith’s deal is worth $100 million, making him the highest-paid inside linebacker in the league.
Not only will the contract extension prevent the Pro Bowl middle linebacker from becoming a free agent in two months, but it will also grant the Ravens the opportunity to use their franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has almost finished the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
Acquired from the Chicago Bears in exchange for second and fifth-round picks in the 2023 NFL draft, Smith has proven to be a crucial member of the Ravens’ roster, finishing as the NFL’s third-leading tackler this season (169), being named to his first Pro Bowl as a result. With this milestone, Smith has become the first player since Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis to make 100 tackles or more multiple sacks and one interception in each of the first five seasons of his career.
“He wants to do the things that are required to be a great player and to be a great unit and then to impact your team,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of the player.
