Bears Trade Roquan Smith to Ravens
It appeared Sunday night as if Roquan Smith would remain a Bear for the rest of the season. A report in Chicago Sun Times had stated General Manager Ryan Poles would hang on to the young linebacker.
It now is clear that report was incorrect, because the Bears traded Smith to the Ravens Monday afternoon. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the return is a second and fifth round draft pick in 2023.
Compensation update: Bears are trading LB Roquan Smith to the Ravens in exchange for second- and fifth-round picks, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2022
The former Georgia bulldog had 52 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2022. The Bears failed to work out an extension with him before the season so a trade was always a possibility. The return in the trade was probably the best Chicago could get, whether it was a good move or a bad one is open for debate.
The trade deadline is Tuesday afternoon so expect more Bears trades before that.
Update: Ian Rapoport of NFL Network gives the final details on the trade. It includes the second and fifth round picks as well as linebacker AJ Klein.
Full terms: A 2 and a 5 and AJ Klein for Roquan Smith and his salary. https://t.co/cGecczkLD7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2022
Schefter also reports the Bears will pay a majority of Smith’s salary. Which is likely why they were able to get two draft picks and a player in return.
Roquan Smith was owed $5.408 million for the rest of the season. As part of today’s trade agreement between Chicago and Baltimore, the Bears are paying Smith $4.833 million while the Ravens are paying him $575,000 for the rest of the season, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2022
