Trade Roquan Smith: The Chicago Bears send a linebacker to the Baltimore Ravens

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Networkthe Baltimore Ravens have exchanged Chicago Bears Star linebacker Roquan Smith. In exchange for Smith, the Ravens reportedly parted a second- and fifth-round pick along with recently signed linebacker AJ Klein CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson.

Smith leads the NFL in tackles (83) and is currently on track with 176 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions. The former first-round pick is in the final year of his rookie contract with the Bears. The trade compensation is currently unknown, but the Ravens added a double all-pro to their defense. The former University of Georgia Unanimous All-American was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and is considered one of the best-covered linebackers in the NFL.

Smith has been known to be capable of carrying the No. 3 receiver on vertical stretches, something only a handful of linebackers in the NFL can do with relative consistency. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith has conceded just three coverage touchdowns in his career, intercepting eight passes and breaking 11. Smith will form an incredibly dynamic, athletic duo with Patrick Queen, who has been promoted for Baltimore this season. With Smith’s coverage ability combined with safety and cornerbacks like Queen, Kyle Hamilton, Geno Stone, Marcus Williams, Malik Harrison, Tyus Bowser and David Ojabo, the Ravens continue to double down on their “positionless” defensive philosophy.

Considering the Ravens traded a second-round and fifth-round pick to Smith, it’s likely the Ravens will extend the All-Pro. Smith takes on one of the most prestigious positions in American sports: playing middle linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens.

It remains to be seen if the Ravens have anything more up their sleeves with just over 24 hours until deadline.