Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith is having fun with his time enjoying for one of many AFC’s prime groups, particularly this season at 7-2. It’s been a distinct world contending for a playoff spot and Tremendous Bowl title in comparison with his time with the Chicago Bears.
Smith’s latest feedback about his life with the Ravens appears to throw a little bit of shade towards the workforce that drafted him eighth total, although he was finally traded away to the Ravens final season earlier than the NFL deadline.
“And once I simply give it some thought from the angle of getting the chance to compete for one, yr in and yr out, with the expertise we now have, man, it makes me so joyful, simply realizing my profession is just not taking place the drain within the sense of enjoying someplace the place I’m not actually competing for a title,” Smith instructed Sports activities Illustrated.
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Roquan Smith of the Baltimore Ravens leads a huddle previous to the sport in opposition to the Detroit Lions at M&T Financial institution Stadium on October 22, 2023, in Baltimore. (Michael Owens/Getty Pictures)
It was Smith’s request to be traded out of Chicago after 4 seasons with the franchise led to particular person success however lacked within the workforce division towards the top of his tenure.
The Bears had been 12-4 in his rookie yr, finally dropping within the Wild Card Spherical. An 8-8 season in 2020 additionally noticed a Wild Card Spherical look, although Chicago would fall but once more after one playoff recreation.
However the Bears had been 6-11 in 2021 and had been on the best way to a league-worst 3-14 final yr earlier than Smith was shipped off to Baltimore.
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Smith was additionally able to get a brand new contract. He tried to barter with the Bears previous to requesting a commerce, nevertheless it didn’t work out. He ended up enjoying eight video games with the Bears, totaling 83 tackles and a couple of.5 sacks earlier than being traded on Halloween in 2022.
Now with the Ravens, Smith defined how a lot he loves the group, particularly contemplating the playoff run they’re at present on.
“It means the world to me, being a Raven,” Smith defined. “And how they got here and received me once I was in Chicago and simply all of the love they confirmed me all through my time right here, I simply solely think about it’s going to develop even greater. So, once I give it some thought from that perspective, I delight myself on enjoying till the whistle, enjoying each single play as onerous as I can. However like simply being right here, there’s one thing about that that makes you wish to go even more durable with all of the legends that got here earlier than me, like Ed [Reed], Ray [Lewis], Bart [Scott] …”
Roquan Smith of the Baltimore Ravens appears to be like on previous to a recreation in opposition to the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on October 1, 2023. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Pictures through Getty Pictures)
“After I simply give it some thought from that perspective, man, it makes me proud simply realizing that I’m enjoying behind such a historic custom.”
Smith made a right away affect for the Ravens, who reached the Wild Card Spherical final season and misplaced to the Cincinnati Bengals. He had two sacks, 86 tackles, three passes defended and one interception in 9 video games for the Ravens.
In his first full season, Smith continues to be probably the greatest center linebackers within the recreation, accumulating 87 tackles and 1.5 sacks with 5 passes defended over 9 contests.
And he’ll be a Raven for fairly some time after the workforce gave him the profitable deal for he was searching for at $100 million ($45 million assured) over the subsequent 5 years.
Roquan Smith of the Baltimore Ravens leads a huddle previous to the sport in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Financial institution Stadium on November 5, 2023, in Baltimore. (Michael Owens/Getty Pictures)
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Since Smith was traded, the Ravens have gone 12-6 whereas the Bears are 2-16.
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