Roquan Smith

Career StatsA

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		125	1136	21.5	10
2025		15	130	0.0	0
2024		16	154	1.5	1
2023		16

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Ravens secured above-average value with Roquan Smith's 5-year, $100M extension, earning a solid B- CVI that reflects smart investment in defensive leadership. At $20M AAV, Baltimore paid market rate for an above-average starting linebacker who brings elite instincts and consistent tackling ability to anchor their defense. Smith's age profile works in the Ravens' favor, as he's entering his prime years with plenty of tread left on the tires to justify the full contract term. The $45M in guaranteed money provides reasonable downside protection while avoiding the massive injury risk that comes with fully guaranteed linebacker deals. This represents exactly the type of calculated investment championship-caliber organizations make — paying for proven production without breaking the bank for a premium position, giving Baltimore a defensive cornerstone who can elevate the entire unit's play for the next half-decade.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Roquan's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Roquan Smith remains one of the NFL's most consistent and productive inside linebackers after eight seasons and 125 career games, anchoring Baltimore's defensive front with the instincts and athleticism that made him an early-round selection. The 29-year-old veteran has evolved into a leader and reliable two-down defender, though his current season shows slight regression from prior years. Smith carries an A performance grade this season, reflecting his continued elite-level impact despite modest fluctuations in production. Smith's tackle production stands at 8.67 per game—well above the NFL average of 2.19 and solidly within elite territory at 7.32—demonstrating his dominance in gap discipline and sideline-to-sideline range. His tackle-for-loss rate of 0.57 per game exceeds the league average of 0.27, showcasing his continued ability to disrupt offensive schemes and penetrate the backfield. Pass defense remains a minor weakness at 0.20 passes defended per game versus the NFL average of 0.18, though this reflects his role as a run-specialist rather than a coverage liability. The three-year trend from B+ in 2023 and 2024 to a B in 2025 suggests a natural aging curve rather than precipitous decline. Smith's Hall of Fame trajectory appears secure given his body of work, though regression in coverage metrics warrants monitoring. Watch for whether the Ravens can continue maximizing his run-stopping prowess while managing his limited two-minute involvement; sustaining his current tackle volume and TFL rate will determine if he finishes his career among the all-time tackle leaders.

How Roquan Compares at the Position

Roquan Smith ranks 9th of 339 graded linebackers by performance. That slots Roquan between Foyesade Oluokun (A) just ahead and Robert Spillane (A) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Roquan Smith enters 2026 as a respected but aging linebacker whose perception reflects the natural decline of a veteran defender in his ninth season. While NFL decision-makers continue to regard him among the elite at his position and he has earned multiple Top 100 honors, the trajectory is notably downward—his ranking has slid noticeably year-over-year, signaling erosion in league-wide evaluation. At $20M annually, Smith remains a solid starter and productive contributor for Baltimore's defense, but he no longer commands the premium perception of a franchise cornerstone. The Ravens' broader defensive revival narrative, anchored by younger stars like Kyle Hamilton, has somewhat overshadowed Smith's individual standing in media discourse. His 2026 season will likely be defined by whether he can stabilize his declining perception or whether age and injury history accelerate the downward trend already visible in recent rankings.