Roquan Smith was traded from the Chicago Bears to the Baltimore Ravens at the 2022 trade deadline.
This was a big move at the time given Smith’s profile as a young linebacker, and the Ravens responded accordingly by signing him to a five-year extension.
Smith recently recanted his feelings about this trade in a conversation with Albert Breer.
According to Smtih via Kevin Oestricher, “If I would’ve stayed there, honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to compete for a title anytime soon.”
Roquan Smith to @AlbertBreer on his trade from the Bears to the Ravens
“It was bittersweet for me, just knowing Chicago and rightfully so. But if I would’ve stayed there, honestly, [I] wouldn’t have been able to compete for a title anytime soon…Man, it makes me so happy, just… pic.twitter.com/H6dN7qleDa
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) November 8, 2023
While Smith might not have intended his comments to drag his former team, he pointed out that he has a lot better chance to compete with the Ravens.
His hunch has turned out to be correct thus far given both team’s records this season.
The Ravens hold a 7-2 record on the year compared to the 2-7 start from the Bears.
Smith has been a staple of the Ravens’ defense, which has now transformed into one of the best units in the NFL.
Their defense allows the fewest points per game on the season, a trend that should help the Ravens on their quest to a deep playoff run.
Many are calling the Ravens the best team in the AFC given their combination of elite offense and defense.
Lamar Jackson’s name is frequently mentioned in the MVP conversation, and several of their defenders are considered among the best at their position in the league, Smith included.
Did he make the right choice to sign a long-term deal with this team with Super Bowl aspirations?
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