The Baltimore Ravens have inked one of their premier players to a brand new contract.
No, it’s not their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
Officially a Raven 💜 pic.twitter.com/uIKwqDQLjI
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 11, 2023
The Ravens signed linebacker Roquan Smith to a five-year, $100 million contract this morning.
This contract makes Smith the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in the league, as he is one of the league’s best at the position.
Smith was traded to the Ravens in 2022 after spending the first four years of his career as a member of the Chicago Bears.
Although this contract is a definite win for Smith and the Ravens, it brings up an interesting question regarding their future at the quarterback position.
Many Ravens fans have wondered if the team will be able to pay Jackson, considering the length and dollar amount of Smith’s contract.
Since entering the league in 2018, Jackson has been one of the league’s most electrifying players, winning the league MVP award in 2019, and proved that he is much more than a rushing quarterback, but a dual threat with his arm as well.
However, Jackson hasn’t played in over a month, and many have wondered if it is his injury that is the problem, or if it’s the constant contract negotiations that have yet to be quelled.
Regardless of how the team decides to move forward, with Smith’s contract officially signed, they will at least ensure that they have a fantastic linebacker on their roster for the next five seasons.
The Ravens will play their first playoff game this weekend against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals.
