Baltimore, Maryland (PSF) — The Baltimore Ravens reached a 5 year $100 million dollar long-term extension with star linebacker Roquan Smith. The contract makes Smith the first inside linebacker in league history to make 20 million annually, narrowly topping San Francisco’s Fred Warner, who signed a five-year 95.2 million dollar deal back in 2021.

Since being traded from Chicago for a second-round pick back at the trade deadline, Smith has shown no trouble adjusting to his new team. In his nine games with Baltimore, he recorded 86 tackles, two sacks, and an interception earning his first pro bowl appearance. Smith has also been widely credited for the team’s defensive improvement in the second half of the season. 

Despite the magnitude of the contract, this deal does not come as much of a surprise. Given how willing Baltimore was to trade away a high draft pick for Smith, it seemed obvious they planned on keeping him well past the conclusion of the 2022 season. Furthermore, the Ravens' clear desire to retain Smith gave them minimal leverage in contract negotiations. Smith’s strong production, as well as his overall impact on the defense as a whole only confirmed the front office’s belief that he is a great fit for the team.  

While this extension is good for the Ravens, it only adds to the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Lamar Jacksons’s contract dispute. Jackson is a free agent this offseason, and although the Ravens could franchise tag him, he has made it clear he has no desire to play under a one-year deal. By no means does Smith’s extension stop Baltimore from striking an agreement with Jackson in the near future, but it does show that the Ravens are more willing to spend record-breaking sums of money on certain players than others.

Smith and the Ravens will travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals this Sunday.