NFL Rumors: Roquan Smith's Ravens Contract Restructured to Create $4.8M in Cap Space

The Baltimore Ravens have gained some cap space flexibility ahead of the 2024 NFL season.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Ravens have done a simple restructure of linebacker Roquan Smith's contract, creating $4.875 million in cap space.

Smith, who signed an extension ahead of the 2023 season, is entering the second year of a five-year, $100 million deal. He was set to earn a base salary of $6 million with a cap hit of $13.5 million before the restructure.

Before reworking Smith's contract, the Ravens were $3.8 million over the cap, per OverTheCap.com, so the move helps them get salary compliant before the start of the year.

Smith, who spent the first four seasons of his career with the Chicago Bears before being traded to Baltimore midseason in 2022, has been a huge part of the Ravens' defense since his addition.

Last season, he led the team in tackles with 158, also picking 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception.

Smith and the Ravens will open the season against the team that ended their playoff run and went on to win a championship on Thursday as they take on the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith recently spoke about his anticipation to start the year on a strong note.

"What way to have a bigger show than when the whole entire world is watching you, regardless of what happened last year? That's last year," he said, per Ravens Vault's Sarah Ellison. "This is a completely new season. The whole world is going to be watching from all over. I'm very excited for our defense, offense and special teams to put a show on in front of the entire world, and look good while we're doing it."

The Ravens have been on the brink of reaching a Super Bowl over the last few seasons, finishing at a league-best 13-4 last year and reaching the AFC Championship. This season, reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, Smith and the rest of Baltimore's stars are looking to finally get over the hump.