The Roquan Smith era is officially over in Chicago. The Bears and general manager Ryan Poles shocked the NFL world on Halloween, dealing the star linebacker to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a second and fifth-round pick just 24 hours before the NFL trade deadline. The deal comes less than a week after the Bears dealt pass rusher Robert Quinn to the Philadelphia Eagles. The news was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Source: #Bears LB Roquan Smith is traded to the #Ravens.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2022
Smith and the Bears were at a standstill when it came to a contract extension that lingered throughout training camp. He has been considered one of the best off-the-ball linebackers in the league, earning two second-team All-Pro honors. His future appeared to be in doubt with the team, however, and now that decision has been solidified with him heading east to Baltimore. Smith finishes the 2022 Bears season with 83 total tackles, four for loss, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions.
The news of the trade sent shockwaves across social media, leaving both Bears and NFL fans stunned by the move.