The NFL owners approved a new rule back in March at the league meetings to allow athletes to wear No. 0 jerseys for the first time in the modern era of the Super Bowl. Many footballers have already switched their jerseys following the announcement. The Baltimore Ravens star linebacker Roquan Smith is also one of them to try his luck with a new number.
Baltimore acquired Smith back in October from the Chicago Bears in exchange for their second- and fifth-round picks in the 2023 NFL draft, and he earned the trust of the team in a short tenure by finishing as the league’s third-leading tackler this season (169) for their defense.
Ravens All-Pro LB Roquan Smith hosts free jersey exchange for the fans
Smith initially picked No. 18 after getting traded to Baltimore and promised fans no change in jersey number in the near future. However, he couldn’t ignore taking advantage of the league’s new rule and swapped his number from No.18 to No. 0 during the offseason.
Many Ravens fans purchased his jersey this offseason and they seemingly felt the veteran didn’t keep his word, but he decided to lighten their heavy hearts by holding a free jersey exchange event on Sunday evening at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood where fans got the opportunity to trade in their No. 18 jerseys for a No. 0 jersey free of cost.
Did you buy a #18 Roquan jersey that you need to update to #0?
Ro has you covered 👇 pic.twitter.com/NGcoTDv2IU
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 18, 2023
The LB earlier provided his take on social media while mentioning this special jersey as a new beginning,
“I look at the No. 0 as a new beginning — continuing to build a foundation of greatness with the start of a new season. A strong and solid foundation is what you must have before anything else, and you must be willing to work for what comes next. This is my first start of a season with the Ravens, and I see no better number that represents that journey to greatness.”
"I look at the No. 0 as a new beginning — continuing to build a foundation of greatness with the start of a new season. A strong and solid foundation is what you must have before anything else, and you must be willing to work for what comes next. This is my first start of a… pic.twitter.com/7AJVCRvR7H
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 5, 2023
Besides the jersey exchange event, the 25-year-old star donates all the No. 18 jerseys to WIN (What I Need) Family Services and Foster Care while hosting some children from WIN to join him at the event.
Exploring Roquan Smith’s contract with the Ravens
Baltimore signed Roquan to a five-year, $100 million extension including $45 million fully guaranteed at signing along with a $22.5 million signing bonus, making him the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL at $20 million per season.
Per Saint Omni, The #Ravens agree in principle with All-Pro LB Roquan Smith — now the highest paid at his position in NFL history with a 5-yr, $100M deal. $45M fully guaranteed & $60M in total guarantees. Huge. The 1st off-ball LB to get $20M per year. Roquan represented himself. pic.twitter.com/KCy7t26SpZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2023
Following the blockbuster trade, the Ravens’ general manager Eric DeCosta said he earned the deal by showcasing his on and off-field charisma.
“Since he’s been here, Roquan has been a leader on and off the field, impressing us with his attitude and desire to be great player and teammate every day. There is certainly a standard of defense in Baltimore, and Roquan has proven that he can surpass that lofty mark. Congratulations to Roquan and his family on this special day,” said DeCosta.
The Pro Bowler’s $4.5 million base salary in 2023, $6 million in 2024, and option bonus in 2024 are fully guaranteed, albeit his $15 million salary for the 2025 season is guaranteed for injury as of now and it is set to become fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2024 year of the league. He is the first LB since former NFL legend Ray Lewis to record at least 100 tackles, multiple sacks along with one interception in each of the first five years of his career, and hence, the magnificent deal was somehow expected.
The Ravens will kick off their regular season against the Houston Texans on Sept. 10. What’s your prediction regarding the match? Share your projections in the comments.
