The Baltimore Ravens have been consistently inconsistent thus far in the 2022 regular season. They are leaving Week 7 with a 4-3 record as they have alternated wins and losses every week so far. This week, they defeated their AFC North rivals the Cleveland Browns and will be heading on the road for a big test next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Baltimore’s offense has been clicking despite some injuries occurring once again to the backfield. J.K. Dobbins is back on IR with a knee ailment, but Gus Edwards was able to make his season debut against Cleveland. Alas, as long as Lamar Jackson is under center for this team, they will be threats offensively.
The Ravens have averaged 25.9 points per game this season, which is sixth in the NFL. But, as easily as they can score points, their defense can give them up. They are 21st in points against and provide very little resistance to their opponents. Teams are averaging 6.3 yards per play against Baltimore this season and 4.5 yards per rush.
If Baltimore wants to become true contenders in the AFC as they believe they are capable of doing, the defense needs to get shored up. Over at Bleacher Report, a trade idea was proposed that would help the Ravens do just that. In the proposed deal, Baltimore would acquire linebacker Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2023 first-round pick.
This would be a win for both franchises. Smith requested a trade from the Bears before the season began, as it seems he has one foot out the door already. Being able to get a first-round pick in exchange for a player that will push to leave in 2023 as a free agent would be excellent for the rebuilding Bears.
For Baltimore, they would be adding an impact player to the heart of their defense. He would help improve them in numerous areas as he is having another solid season for Chicago with 66 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and one interception.
Strides have also been made in pass coverage by Smith. He has allowed an opposing passer rating of 69.2 in coverage this season, showing that he is more than just a thumper in the middle racking up gaudy tackle stats.
Figuring out a way to make the money work presents some challenges for the Ravens, but they are worth exploring, especially if they can get some sort of guarantee that Smith will remain with the team beyond this season and isn’t just a rental.
