It’s a make-or-break year for a number of Baltimore Ravens veterans. In 2025, the guys you’d expect to lead the team during the rough patches actually played a role in the team’s endless struggles.
Roquan Smith was among those who disappointed on the field. At least to an extent. As the middle linebacker, Smith is the nucleus of the defense. He needs to be at his best on every down. Unfortunately, though, he took a bit of a step back and failed to play at the level fans have grown to expect.
With the changing of the guard on the coaching staff, the Ravens need their $100 million man to get back on track. A rebound would make the transition so much easier, and in general, when Smith is playing at his All-Pro level, the defense is absolutely terrifying. That version of Roquan Smith must return in 2026.
Baltimore Ravens will need four-time Pro Bowler to return to elite level in 2026
Baltimore isn’t going to get back to their winning ways if Roquan Smith continues to regress. They gave him a five-year, $100 million contract to be a game-wrecker in the middle of the field, and it’s been obvious that when he’s not on his ‘A’ game, the rest of the unit falters. The team simply needs more from Smith.
You might say that I’m being a bit harsh on Smith’s play from last year. And that’s fair. He did submit a 74.5 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, and wrapped up the season with 130 combined tackles and a fifth career Pro Bowl nod. He wasn’t the main culprit of Baltimore’s overwhelming defensive problems; however, he also took a slight step back in 2025, as his play became a bit inconsistent (like pretty much everyone on the roster).
And if you’re not going to take my word for it, take Smith’s. He’ll be the first to tell you that his play wasn’t up to snuff over the duration of last season. He got really honest about his 2025 campaign during mandatory minicamp last week.
“Personally, my season, it wasn’t the season I wanted to have, regardless of circumstances, because you can’t control circumstances,” Smith said. “You control your response, so no excuses at all. It wasn’t the season of my standard, nor was it from a defensive perspective.”
Clearly, Smith is looking to turn over a new leaf and forget that last season ever happened. The Ravens’ defensive leader flushing that memory and rebounding will be crucial to their 2026 success. It also helps that he now has head coach Jesse Minter ca.
If you’re a Ravens fan, you should be excited for what the future might hold for Smith. We know he's an empowering leader. He has the work ethic, mentality, and attitude it takes to flip the script and get back to dominance, but now he’s paired with a defensive genius in Minter. Those two could quickly form a dynamic duo.
Although it’s early, Smith has already praised Minter’s defense, specifically noting the seamless communication, which should free up everyone on his side of the ball. The feeling is mutual, too, as Minter has mentioned that he sees Smith being one of the NFL's best linebackers this year.
Obviously, there is some sort of fear of regression. Smith is creeping up on 30 years old after all. He’s shown glimpses that he can still be a high-level player, though. The competitive fire has never left him, and in fact, after an underwhelming season, there was likely some gas poured on that fire. With an exciting mind in Minter running the show, as well, Smith should have all the tools he needs to regain his footing and, in turn, help get the Ravens back into the playoffs.
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