The Baltimore Ravens have signed star linebacker Roquan Smith to a historic five-year, $100 million contract extension which includes $45 million in fully guaranteed money and $60 million in total guarantees, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
With the new deal, Smith becomes the highest paid at his position in NFL history and the first off-ball linebacker to earn $20 million per year, effectively resetting the market for others at his position.
Smith, 25, represented himself during negotiations.
Smith recorded 169 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four quarterback hits and 11 tackles for loss this season between the 8 games he played for the Chicago Bears and the 9 games played for Baltimore following his trade, earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
