In his introductory press conference on Wednesday, former Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith noted that he “didn’t plan” to get traded. Smith is a young star in this league. He is easily a top-five (arguably top-three) linebacker. He currently leads the league with 83 combined tackles. He has two interceptions, a forced fumble and 2.5 sacks. Smith will easily help the Baltimore Ravens push for a Super Bowl this season. The Ravens are still within their window of opportunity while the Chicago Bears just started to tear everything down for a rebuild.
Donning his new number 18 Baltimore Ravens jersey, the recently traded linebacker took to the podium after practice to address local media about his thoughts on the current state of the Ravens, the deep history on the defensive side of the ball, and his reaction to his trade as well as former teammate Robert Quinn’s trade the week prior.
Roquan Smith was surprised to get traded after demanding a trade in August
Roquan Smith states that “initially I was shocked, but I’m excited to be here”, and that “life happens”. It is understandable for a player of Smith’s status to be surprised by a midseason trade, except for the fact that Smith requested a trade before the beginning of the season.
#Bears All-Pro LB Roquan Smith has requested a trade. pic.twitter.com/x4vmOMhROt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 9, 2022
Nearly three months later, the Chicago Bears granted Roquan Smith his wish and shipped him to Baltimore for a second and a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, plus linebacker A.J. Klein. Smith, who represents himself, is not under contract this season and will be part of a Ravens’ free agent class that includes star quarterback Lamar Jackson. Lamar Jackson also represents himself. Having to negotiate with both of these star players could be an issue.
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Roquan Smith continued in his press conference to cover many different topics, including how he fits into this young and athletic defense, as well as their goals for the rest of the season. The entirety of the interview can be found here.