Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Assessing Roquan Smith's impact on Ravens defense

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/31/22

Even without quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens have managed to stay above water and qualify for the postseason, with many crediting linebacker Roquan Smith as the reason.

ESPN's Mina Kimes believes Smith is the "single biggest reason" for the Ravens' turnaround on the defensive side of the ball.

"Since trading for Roquan Smith, they allow the lowest yards per play in the NFL. That's when they don't get pressure," Kimes said. "Before they traded for him, they ranked 25th. If that's not an impact, I don't know what is."

There are many ways to quantify Roquan Smith's impact, but here's one that stands out to me: Since the trade, the Ravens defense is allowing the lowest yards/play in the NFL when they don't get pressure.

Before the trade? They were 25th… pic.twitter.com/8XlYiGT8cr
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) December 31, 2022

The Ravens traded 2023 second- and fifth-round picks as well as linebacker A.J. Klein in exchange for Smith, but the move appears to be paying off.

The #Ravens traded for #Bears LB Roquan Smith on Oct. 31st.

Their defense completely turned around from one of the worst in the NFL to one of the best.

His addition has been one of the most impactful in-season trades in recent memory. pic.twitter.com/z5zyPLAhpF
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 31, 2022

Since acquiring the Pro Bowler on Oct. 31, the Ravens defense has transformed back into the beast we know and love. If the Ravens want to keep him around, they'll have to break out the checkbook. The 25-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2022 season and is due a hefty pay raise after making $575,000 in the final year of his rookie deal.

Named to his first Pro Bowl this season, Smith has recorded 61 tackles (six for loss), two sacks and an interception in seven games with the Ravens.

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