The Chicago Bears are trading linebacker Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens, according to Ian Rapoport.
The Bears are receiving 2023 second- and fifth-round picks for Smith, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Smith’s future in Chicago was in question amid an offseason contract dispute, where he wanted to be set the linebacker market making $20 million-plus per year. General manager Ryan Poles didn’t agree, and Smith requested a trade during training camp.
Eventually, Smith called off his hold-in and returned to the team, focusing on the 2022 season. Still, Smith called negotiations “distasteful” and said the Bears put de-escalators in their contract offers.
“I busted my ass for so long here and not being rewarded with something I thought I rightfully deserved,” he said back in August.
Smith has a league-leading 83 tackles, including four for a loss, as well as 2.5 sacks and two interceptions in 2022.
Source: #Bears LB Roquan Smith is traded to the #Ravens.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2022
Over the last week, the Bears have now traded two defensive leaders in Smith and defensive end Robert Quinn for three draft selections in 2023.
It’s the kind of move that makes sense for a Bears team in rebuilding mode that appears to have made a decision that there are other positions worth prioritizing, especially on offense.
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