Report: Roquan Smith traded to the Baltimore Ravens

With the NFL trade deadline approaching, teams are making their final moves of the season to either finalize their contenders or sell out on the year. For Chicago, it seems the Bears just made the later move by trading away one of their franchise’s best young assets in Roquan Smith.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Bears have traded Smith to the Baltimore Ravens. He’ll be headed to the AFC North while Chicago will get a second and fifth-round pick in return.

After a frustrating summer of long-term contract negotiations, Chicago moves on with a 2nd rounder and a fifth-rounder coming back. Meanwhile, Baltimore acquires a defensive leader and star defender. https://t.co/Rfo70rlGUt

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2022

Chicago selected Smith with the eighth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Georgia. He has become one of the leaders of their defense as their other stars on that side of the football have moved on from Chicago. Over his five seasons with the Bears, Smith totaled 608 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 20 pass deflections, seven interceptions, a forced fumble, and a touchdown. He was having a great season so far with Chicago with 83 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions through eight games so far.

With no outcome from their contract negotiations, the franchise has decided to move on without Smith. On the Raven’s side of this, though, they pick up a young, star defensive player who will give their defense a much-needed boost for the final nine games of their regular season.

WATCH: Roquan Smith breaks down learning of Robert Quinn trade in middle of press conference

The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, with teams needing to finalize any moves before 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 1. And as deals get made, even players are often finding out in real time. On Wednesday, Chicago dealt defensive lineman Robert Quinn to Philadelphia, with the news coming while Quinn’s teammate, Roquan Smith, was in the middle of a press conference with the media.

Smith broke down during the press conference, struggling to keep it together.

“I have a great deal of respect for that guy,” Smith said, pulling his orange shirt over his mouth as he whispered. “Crazy.”

Roquan Smith: “I have a great deal of respect for that guy. … Damn. Crazy.”

Really tough moment to witness. pic.twitter.com/1RNHrOnGiZ

— Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) October 26, 2022