AFC North

After being acquired by the Baltimore Ravens at the trade deadline this week, linebacker Roquan Smith detailed his reaction to his time with the Chicago Bears coming to an end.

"I didn't plan to [get traded], but you know, life happens at times and got traded," Smith said Wednesday, per ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "So initially I was shocked. But I'm excited to be here. Good group of guys that's contending for a title, and that's what I'm in the game to play for—playing for a title."

Smith, who is in the final year of his rookie deal, added that he's not focused on negotiating a contract extension at the moment.

"Everything's happened really, really quickly, so I'm just trying to focus on honing in on this playbook right now and getting to that," Smith said. "But my main focus right now is learning the playbook and getting a great relationship with the guys and then going from there."

Smith will be in for a huge payday when the time comes. The 25-year-old leads the NFL with 83 total tackles while adding 2.5 sacks and two interceptions. He will breathe some new life into a Baltimore defense that ranks 24th in the league with opponents averaging 364.3 yards against them. The Ravens have also given up a league-worst 83 points in the fourth quarter this year.

"I know they trying to get over the hump and win the big game," Smith said. "So I feel like I can be one of the guys that can help with that. So I'm excited to be able to give everything I got to make that happen."

The Ravens would be wise to lock up Smith with an extension before he becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. However, Baltimore also has to negotiate an extension with star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is also playing the 2022 season on the fifth-year option in his rookie deal.

Both Smith and Jackson don't have agents and represent themselves in negotiations. Hensley noted that Ravens officials described contract discussions with Jackson as "unusual" after they failed to come to an agreement on an extension prior to the season.

"Times are changing," Smith said on why he doesn't have an agent. "Honestly, I think players want to be at the table and want, like, a 100% transparency. I think that's the major thing. The fee you're paying agents, you know, some do great jobs. I can be giving that to charity or family. But I also have a team of advisers as well, so it's not just me, by myself."

The Ravens (5-3) are set to take on the New Orleans Saints (3-5) on Monday Night Football this week.

The Cleveland Browns are planning to activate quarterback Deshaun Watson when he's eligible to return from his 11-game suspension in Week 13 against the Houston Texans.

General manager Andrew Berry confirmed the team's intentions Wednesday and said Watson has "done everything and more that's been asked of him."

In August, Watson and the NFL agreed to a settlement on his punishment, one many thought was light given the breadth of the allegations against him. Twenty-five women filed lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct or sexual assault they experienced during massage appointments with the three-time Pro Bowler.

By Aug. 1, he had settled 23 of the lawsuits that had been filed against him.

However, another woman filed suit against him on Oct. 13. The woman said Watson pressured her to massage "his private area" and removed his towel during the session. The plaintiff claims he pressured her into performing oral sex.

NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said the NFL was following the situation but that the new lawsuit didn't impact Watson's suspension.

"Watson's status remains unchanged," McCarthy said. "We will monitor developments in the newly-filed litigation; and any conduct that warrants further investigation or possible additional sanctions would be addressed within the Personal Conduct Policy."

The Browns acquired Watson with civil litigation ongoing and signed him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million extension. Though he's still ineligible to play, he was allowed to return to the Browns' facility on Oct. 10. He can begin practicing as early as Nov. 14.

Jacoby Brissett has started at quarterback for the Browns, who are 3-5, with Watson unavailable. He has thrown for 1,862 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions.

"Jacoby has been everything we hoped for when we signed him," Berry told reporters. "He's given us the opportunity to win."

The Pittsburgh Steelers alleviated their long jam at wide receiver by trading Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears Tuesday for a 2023 second-round pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Field Yates.

Claypool's departure might be good news for fantasy managers with George Pickens or Diontae Johnson on their roster ahead of the second half of the season.

Johnson is the team leader in receptions (43) and receiving yards (372), though he still hasn't scored his first touchdown.

The PAIN leaderboard (through Week 8):
(Most Total Yards without a touchdown)
1. Donovan Peoples-Jones - 419
2. Diontae Johnson - 394
3. Chris Godwin - 372
4. Marquez Valdes-Scantling - 366
5. Darnell Mooney - 364
6. Tyler Higbee - 312
7. Nico Collins - 305
8. J.D. McKissic - 268

— Russell Clay (@RussellJClay) November 1, 2022

Pickens has 26 catches for 338 yards and one touchdown in his rookie campaign.

Tuesday's trade doesn't catapult Johnson or Pickens into the elite tier of fantasy wideouts, but Claypool's absence means both players could see more targets each week.

Of the two, Pickens might stand to benefit more. CBS Sports HQ's Josina Anderson reported the Steelers "feel ready to give [Pickens] an expanded role."

The 2022 second-round pick went without a catch in a Week 8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles but had 21 receptions for 273 yards and one score in his preceding four games. His stock was already trending upward as he steadily got more comfortable in Pittsburgh's offense.

https://twitter.com/falcfans/status/1587500139123466245

Johnson's fantasy ceiling, meanwhile, still may not be that high without Claypool in the mix. He's only averaging 8.7 yards per reception in 2022, and he wasn't a big-play threat en route to making the Pro Bowl in 2021, either. He averaged 10.9 yards per catch while finishing with 1,161 yards overall.

Until Kenny Pickett takes major steps forward or the Steelers upgrade at quarterback in a big way, Johnson's fantasy boost after Tuesday could be marginal.

Pittsburgh is off in Week 9, so you'll have to wait before the impact of the Claypool trade is reflected on your squad. When the time comes to start Johnson or Pickens, both warrant flex consideration.

The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired cornerback William Jackson III from the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2022 NFL trade deadline on Tuesday.

Here are the full terms of the trade:

• Steelers get: CB WIlliam Jackson III, conditional 2025 seventh-round pick
• Commanders get: conditional 2025 sixth-round pick

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network initially reported a deal was being finalized.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported earlier Tuesday that Washington was expected to release Jackson if no trade was completed.

Jackson is in the second year of the three-year, $40.5 million contract he signed with Washington in 2021.

The 2016 first-round pick has been limited to four appearances this season because of a back injury. The Houston product has recorded 16 tackles along with two pass breakups.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported Oct. 13 that Jackson was looking to land with another team, "preferably with a scheme that he believes better fits him."

Ultimately, the team decided to move on as well.

Coming into the 2022 season, Pro Football Focus' Anthony Treash ranked Jackson as the No. 24 outside corner, putting him in the "good players with boom-or-bust tendencies" tier. The 6'0" defensive back didn't play up to expectations in 2021, and the back injury has limited his availability this year.

As a result, the secondary has been a mixed bag.

Although Washington is allowing just 214.0 passing yards per game to rank 16th in the NFL, its 99.2 opponent passer rating is the fifth-worst. The Commanders have also allowed 14 touchdown passes, which is tied for the fourth-most.

Jackson joins a Steelers squad that is 2-6 and sits in last place in the AFC North. The Jackson deal comes on the heels of Pittsburgh reportedly trading receiver Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears.

Cincinnati Bengals offensive analyst Adam Zimmer, the son of former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, died Monday at the age of 38.

His sister, Corri Zimmer White, announced the news in an Instagram post Tuesday.

Former #Vikings co-defensive coordinator Adam Zimmer died yesterday at the age of 38, his sister Corri posted on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/8ZyLzgmocR

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) November 1, 2022

No further information about his death was immediately released.

Bengals president Mike Brown expressed condolences in a statement Tuesday:

Statement from the #Bengals and Mike Brown on the tragic passing of Adam Zimmer at age 38. pic.twitter.com/uIm0m9uiWE

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 1, 2022

Zimmer played college football at Trinity University from 2002 through 2005 before he began his coaching career as an assistant linebackers coach with the New Orleans Saints in 2006, winning a Super Bowl title with the franchise at the end of the 2009 season.

The Utah native also spent time with the Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs before joining his father's staff as the Vikings' linebackers coach in 2014. He was promoted to co-defensive coordinator alongside Andre Patterson in 2020.

Minnesota revamped its entire coaching staff last offseason after firing Mike Zimmer following an 8-9 season, which marked a second straight year out of the playoffs.

Adam Zimmer rejoined the Bengals' coaching group in July, taking on an offensive role for the first time in his career.

Cincinnati's next game is scheduled for Sunday at home against the Carolina Panthers.

Despite a rough showing in Monday's 32-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns, Joe Burrow isn't concerned about the Cincinnati Bengals' ability to bounce back.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Burrow said the Bengals are "not panicking" because Cleveland is a team that has "had our number the last couple years."

This was the fourth consecutive win for the Browns over the Bengals dating back to the 2020 season. One of those victories was in Week 18 last season when Cincinnati sat all of its key starters to prepare for the playoffs.

The Bengals have been inconsistent through eight games. Their offense struggled out of the gate, scoring just 37 points in losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys to start the season.

It looked like Burrow and head coach Zac Taylor figured things out. The Bengals won four of the previous five games before Monday night. The Bengals had a combined total of 65 points and 936 yards in wins over the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons.

Cincinnati has been held to 20 points or fewer in each of its four losses. Even though the front office invested in the offensive line during the offseason, Burrow is still being sacked at a high rate. He was taken down five times on Monday, bringing his season total to 29.

Coming into Week 8, ESPN's pass-block win rate had the Bengals ranked 29th in the NFL (47 percent).

Monday was the first time Cincinnati played without Ja'Marr Chase. The star wide receiver suffered a hip injury in last week's victory over the Falcons. Taylor told reporters on Saturday that Chase won't be placed on injured reserve, with the hope he can return before the estimated four-to-six week timeline.

Chase had at least 130 receiving yards and two touchdowns in each of the previous two games.

Burrow is right to keep a level head at this point in the season. The Bengals are only one game behind the Baltimore Ravens for the top spot in the AFC North. They were 5-4 after nine games in 2021 before winning five of their next seven games.

Cincinnati will look to get back on track at home Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

The Cleveland Browns have had a disappointing start to the 2022 season, but the team's bright spot has been star running back Nick Chubb. The 26-year-old shined once again to lead the Browns to a 32-13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football.

Chubb dominated with the ball in his hands, finishing with 101 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries to help Cleveland snap a four-game losing streak and improve to 3-5. Chubb now leads the NFL with 841 yards through the first eight weeks of the season.

Thanks to Chubb's success on the ground, the Browns had an impressively balanced offense on Monday night. Cleveland quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 17 of his 22 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown to star receiver Amari Cooper, who finished with five catches for 131 yards.

Brissett also added a rushing touchdown as the Browns totaled 172 rushing yards, with backup running back Kareem Hunt adding 42 yards on 11 carries.

Fans on social media couldn't help but praise Chubb for his workhorse performance against Cincinnati, with many touting him as the best player at his position:

Nick Chubb has been the best RB in the league for while now

— Chris Trapasso 🏈 (@ChrisTrapasso) November 1, 2022

Nick Chubb is the best pure runner in the NFL

— Steve Benko (@SteveBenko) November 1, 2022

Nick Chubb you beautifully made running back.

— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) November 1, 2022

At this point you have to ask: is Nick Chubb is one of the best 5 football players in NFL?

Forget most "valuable" because of positional bias, but just straight up football players.

He's a joy.

— Laurie Horesh (@LaurieHoresh) November 1, 2022

Includes:
broken tackles
hurdling everyone
fantasy points
rare smiles https://t.co/C872nXVVMn

— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2022

Nick Chubb is absolutely incredible.

— Troy King (@TKingMode) November 1, 2022

Nick Chubb is such an incredible athlete

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) November 1, 2022

The Browns should give the ball to Nick Chubb every play.

I'm like, only barely kidding.

— Andrew Gillis (@Andrew_Gillis70) November 1, 2022

The Bengals' defense when they see Nick Chubb coming at them pic.twitter.com/SWPISSGJy6

— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) November 1, 2022

Better to be humiliated by Nick Chubb leaping over you than having Chubb run right through you https://t.co/7nRpHeq8ci

— Radi Nabulsi (@RadiNabulsi) November 1, 2022

The Bengals trying to stop Nick Chubb: pic.twitter.com/klUmXkW4FW

— FanDuel (@FanDuel) November 1, 2022

Nick Chubb against the Bengals defense: pic.twitter.com/CR7iJjLUFm

— Pickswise (@Pickswise) November 1, 2022

I just realized our kids/grandkids will all be annoyed by our Nick Chubb stories.

Whatever, to Hell with them.

— Ken Carman (@KenCarman) November 1, 2022

I’m not sure what Browns I’m watching but I love Nick Chubb

— MerK (@JoeDeLuca) November 1, 2022

Nick Chubb is so damn good.

— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) November 1, 2022

Nick Chubb been that!!!

— King LJ (@ljscott_03) November 1, 2022

I am so happy that the rest of the NFL is getting to see how good Nick Chubb is.

He’s the best damn RB in football.

— Dawgs By Nature (@DawgsByNature) November 1, 2022

Is Nick Chubb the best player since the team returned in 99? I say yes. #Browns

— I’m Mr. Brightside (@_blue42) November 1, 2022

The fourth-year running back out of Georgia has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons. He's also well on his way to a fourth consecutive 1,000-yard campaign. If he continues playing like he did on Monday, 2022 could go down as the best year of his young career.

The Browns would be wise to continue feeding Chubb as they turn the page to the second half of the season. Cleveland will be on a bye next week before returning to action on Nov. 13 against the Miami Dolphins.

The Cincinnati Bengals may have figured out how to make the Super Bowl last season, but they still can't figure out the Cleveland Browns.

Cleveland defeated its AFC North rival 32-13 in Monday's showdown, dropping the Bengals to 4-4 on the season and an ugly 1-8 against the Browns in their last nine matchups. It seemed like things were starting to turn around for the reigning AFC champions this season with two straight wins, but they looked lost on both sides of the ball in Cleveland.

It didn't help that star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was sidelined by a hip injury, but Jerry Rice in his prime might not have made a difference in the outcome for the Bengals.

The offensive line couldn't block for Joe Burrow, the defense couldn't contain Nick Chubb or Amari Cooper, and the game was out of hand before the end of the third quarter.

Social media also didn't miss its chance to jump all over the Bengals for their performance:

Complete and total failure by the Bengals across the board tonight

— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) November 1, 2022

Ja’Marr Chase doesn’t play tackle.

— Mo Egger (@MoEgger) November 1, 2022

Ja’Marr Chase is an elite game changer but there’s absolutely no reason his absence should effect this offense THIS much

— Blake Jewell (@BlakeJewellNFL) November 1, 2022

Don’t tell me it’s just Ja’Marr Chase… How do you go from one of the top five teams in the NFL again… To an absolute disaster?? The defense is playing well enough… The offense is back to its old stale tricks

— MikeDardisWLWT (@MikeDardisWLWT) November 1, 2022

No Ja’Marr Chase no first half points for @Bengals.
Not a coincidence!

— Rich Gannon (@RichGannon12) November 1, 2022

Ja’marr Chase MVP game.

— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) November 1, 2022

When people ask how much Ja’Marr Chase means to the @Bengals offense, show them the 1st half of this game

— trey wingo (@wingoz) November 1, 2022

Bengals offensive line: pic.twitter.com/BdXyQfS9vp

— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) November 1, 2022

at no point this season has the Bengals offensive line looked good and better has been relative. they've just overcome it some weeks, like last year.

— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) November 1, 2022

If the Bengals offense can't score vs this Browns defense they are in serious trouble.

Burrow looks sped up from early hits and pressure, WRs aren't coming open very quick, and the run game has already been abandoned.

Defense is getting no pressure whatsoever right now either.

— mike (@bengals_sans) November 1, 2022

Mission No. 1 was don't let Myles Garrett wreck the game... The #Browns star caused an interception and had a drive ending sack on the #Bengals' second possession.

— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) November 1, 2022

The Bengals offensive line should have to go to jail for their crimes against Joe Burrow

— Ryan Ginn (@rmginn) November 1, 2022

Bengals may need to double check the receipts on their offensive line investments.

— Field Gulls (@FieldGulls) November 1, 2022

This is an absolutely pathetic performance by the Bengals.

— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) November 1, 2022

Bengals are going out SAD

— Peter Berkes (@peterberkes) November 1, 2022

You are getting clowned by the Cleveland Browns in primetime. That's down bad.

— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) November 1, 2022

this bengals season has turned out exactly how their fans argued vehemently that it wouldn't. bad luck leading to weird losses, injuries, explosive play regression, burrow still taking sacks. there's always a fanbase that does the tobias funke 'but it might work with us' meme.

— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) November 1, 2022

Cincinnati was in scramble mode from the start and failed to score a point in a first half that included a Burrow interception and lost fumble, a missed field goal from Evan McPherson, and three Cleveland sacks as Myles Garrett and Co. applied constant pressure against an overwhelmed offensive line.

While the Bengals defense kept them within striking distance with two forced turnovers in the first half, Cleveland pulled away with a touchdown run and pass from Jacoby Brissett in the third quarter.

Even when Cincinnati finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter, McPherson missed the ensuing extra point. It was a fitting metaphor in an abysmal showing for a team that will need to regroup and bounce back if it is going to challenge for another Super Bowl run.

As if that wasn't enough, cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and Tre Flowers were each ruled out with injuries during the contest, making life against Cooper even more difficult.

Things will probably go better for the Bengals when they return home to face the Carolina Panthers because they can't go much worse.

With regard to the 2023 salary cap, the Baltimore Ravens will cross that bridge when it comes.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Ravens are acquiring linebacker Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears for second- and fifth-round draft picks.

Beyond what Smith will provide for Baltimore's defense in the second half of this season, this deal is interesting because he joins an already large group of notable free-agents-to-be on the team.

Spotrac projects the Ravens to have $37.4 million in cap space next year. That's not a lot of money considering Smith, Lamar Jackson, Marcus Peters, Kyle Fuller, Josh Bynes and Ben Powers are all due to hit the open market.

You wouldn't expect this trade to affect what the organization was planning to offer Jackson. Baltimore simply cannot afford to let the 2019 MVP walk.

Lamar Jackson and Roquan Smith showing up to negotiate contract extensions together pic.twitter.com/vLyI7zO5oI

— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) October 31, 2022

Through eight games, Jackson has thrown for 1,635 yards and 15 touchdowns while running for 553 yards and two touchdowns.

Applying the franchise tag to the 25-year-old would cost around $45.4 million. Beyond the risk of alienating your best player, that would also make a long-term extension even more expensive in 2024 when factoring in the typical inflation of the quarterback market.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter reported in September that Jackson declined a $250 million extension that included $133 million guaranteed. He's pushing for a fully guaranteed contract since that's what Deshaun Watson got from the Cleveland Browns.

A $250 million overall value is reasonable given how it would be the third-biggest deal in the NFL. Pushing the guarantees to $150 million or $175 million—Russell Wilson's $124 million guaranteed at signing is the second-most behind Watson—would represent fair bargaining, too.

Surely Jackson and the Ravens can find some middle ground.

Baltimore might take a more determined stance with Smith, who failed to negotiate a long-term extension with the Bears.

The 6'1", 232-pound defender has an NFL-high 83 tackles to go along with 2.5 sacks and two interceptions through eight games in 2022. He also has the kind of proven track record that leaves you feeling confident about striking a multiyear pact.

However, Smith doesn't play a premium position. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Lavonte David has the highest cap hit ($14.8 million) for an inside linebacker this season, and it's nearly half of what the highest-paid outside linebacker (Joey Bosa, $28.3 million) is earning.

The Bears' unwillingness to go above and beyond to keep Smith might be telling as to his market value.

More frustrations:
— The backloaded offer, which wouldn’t make him the highest paid in actual salary, included proposed de-escalators that not a single player out of the 94 non-QB, $15M+ contracts has. He was offended.
— The deal would hurt the LB market as a whole. https://t.co/E3tqyU6eAe

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 9, 2022

You typically don't see an NFL team give up a second-round pick in a trade for a player who's only going to be around for half a season. Were Smith to leave, the Ravens would at least get something back in return, though.

The Ravens trading for Roquan Smith could be a rental since his contract is up after this season. They gave up a 2 and a 5 next season. Would likely recoup a 3 for him in 2024 as a compensatory pick if he leaves. He'll get paid.

— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) October 31, 2022

Right now, the smart money might be on Smith wearing a uniform other than Baltimore's in 2023.

General manager Eric DeCosta will have to make some tough decisions this offseason. It's unlikely to be a binary choice between Jackson and Smith, but re-signing Jackson to something other than the franchise tender will have clear ramifications.

If one of those consequences is being unable to sign Smith for $15 million-plus per year, then so be it.

Roquan Smith is no longer the face of the Chicago Bears defense.

Chicago traded the linebacker to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday for linebacker A.J. Klein and second- and fifth-round picks, per multiple reports:

Bears and Ravens agree to trade for Roquan Smith

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) October 31, 2022

Compensation update: Bears are trading LB Roquan Smith to the Ravens in exchange for second- and fifth-round picks, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2022

Full terms: A 2 and a 5 and AJ Klein for Roquan Smith and his salary. https://t.co/cGecczkLD7

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2022

The Bears will also pay $4.833 million of Smith's $5.408 million salary, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

The 2022 season was set to be the final one on Smith's contract before free agency, and there was plenty of uncertainty about his status. In July, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com noted the Georgia product would not report to the start of training camp because of his contract situation.

"Smith has not yet received an offer he would remotely consider, thus he'll wait," Rapoport wrote.

Then Smith wrote a statement in August requesting a trade: "Unfortunately, the new front office regime doesn't value me here. They've refused to negotiate in good faith, every step of this journey has been 'take it or leave it.' The deal sent to me is one that would be bad for myself, and for the entire LB market if I signed it."

He also said he wanted to be a Bear his entire career but was left with no choice:

#Bears All-Pro LB Roquan Smith has requested a trade. pic.twitter.com/x4vmOMhROt

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 9, 2022

General manager Ryan Poles said in response, "Right now, my intentions are to make sure Roquan is on this team."

That Smith called out the new regime was notable because Chicago is in a transition period in 2022 with Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus in their first year of what figures to be a rebuild.

Trading Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers only drove home the theme of a rebuild, and Smith is the next notable name shipped out after his request.

The team also traded defensive end Robert Quinn to the Philadelphia Eagles last week.

It is a difficult blow for the Bears, who surely envisioned Smith as an important part of their efforts to build a contender in the NFC North before things went south.

The 25-year-old wasted no time making an impact after Chicago selected him with the No. 8 overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft. He posted 121 tackles and five sacks as a rookie for a team that won the division and relied on a strong defense, much like it had throughout its history.

It was a sign of things to come as the linebacker tallied more than 100 tackles in each of his first four seasons in the league.

He finished the 2021 season with 163 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, three passes defended and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown. He became the first player since Ray Lewis to post 300 or more tackles and 30 or more tackles for loss during a two-season span.

Despite those efforts, Smith is still waiting to be named to a Pro Bowl or All-Pro First Team. That will surely come, but it won't happen for the Bears after this trade.

He joins another team with a proud history of strong linebacker play in Baltimore and will look to maintain that tradition. He will also be surrounded by talented defensive playmakers such as Calais Campbell, Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters and can help elevate the unit to be one of the league's best.

If it is, Smith will be right back in the middle of a playoff race for the 5-3 Ravens.