Former UGA star Roquan Smith signs record contract for off-ball LB

Former UGA linebacker Roquan Smith has signed a massive five-year extension with the Baltimore Ravens

Former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Roquan Smith has signed a massive five-year, $100 million extension with the Baltimore Ravens. Smith, who represented himself in negotiations, is set to receive $60 million guaranteed as a part of the deal.

The Ravens traded for Smith midway through the 2022 NFL season. Smith has made an immediate impact on Baltimore’s defense, which has improved significantly since he joined the Ravens.

The Chicago Bears drafted Roquan Smith with the No. 8 pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Chicago received linebacker A.J. Klein, a second and fifth round pick when it traded Smith back in October.

The Chicago Bears traded inside linebacker Roquan Smith to the Ravens primarily in exchange for draft compensation. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Roquan Smith has 169 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and three sacks this season. Smith and former LSU linebacker Patrick Queen anchor the center of the Baltimore defense.

No off-ball linebacker has receiver a larger contract in NFL history than Roquan Smith. Only pass rushing linebackers have received larger deals.

Smith’s contract extension comes a few days before the Ravens face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 8:15 p.m. ET in the AFC wild card round.

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