BREAKING: Despite Earning $16 Million and Boasting Two Pro Bowl Selections, Ravens Star Stuns NFL Analysts by Being Named the League’s Most Underpaid Player at His Position, Highlighting Major Disparity Between Salary and On-Field… 

Despite Earning $16 Million and Boasting Two Pro Bowl Selections, Ravens Star Stuns NFL Analysts by Being Named the League’s Most Underpaid Player at His Position, Highlighting Major Disparity Between Salary and On-Field…

In a league where massive contracts are often handed out based on potential as much as production, one Baltimore Ravens star is turning heads for an entirely different reason: he’s outperforming his pay grade by a wide margin.

Despite earning $16 million annually and holding two Pro Bowl selections, Ravens standout linebacker Roquan Smith has been named the most underpaid player at his position, according to a recent analysis by a panel of NFL executives and analysts. The recognition has sparked a renewed conversation about how elite defenders are valued in today’s NFL, particularly those who bring consistency, leadership, and versatility to the field week after week.

The Value Behind the Number

Smith signed a five-year, $100 million extension with the Ravens in 2023, making him the highest-paid off-ball linebacker at the time. But according to recent metrics and comparative data with other high-performing defenders, his impact has far exceeded even those lofty financial terms.

“Roquan Smith is the heartbeat of that Ravens defense,” said former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum. “He’s not just a tackler — he’s the quarterback of the defense. His presence elevates everyone around him.”

Smith led the Ravens in tackles during the 2024 season, anchored one of the NFL’s top defensive units, and played nearly every defensive snap. He was instrumental in Baltimore’s deep playoff run, frequently tasked with neutralizing elite running backs and tight ends while serving as a defensive captain and emotional leader.

Advanced analytics support the eye test. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith graded out as one of the top three linebackers in overall performance last season, excelling in coverage, run defense, and blitz efficiency. When compared to similarly impactful players — many of whom make upwards of $20 million per year — Smith’s deal suddenly looks like a bargain.

A League-Wide Discrepancy

NFL salaries often favor positions like quarterback, edge rusher, and wide receiver — high-impact roles that shape the modern game. Meanwhile, traditional linebacker roles have seen fluctuating market value. Despite playing a central role in one of the most dominant defenses in the league, Smith is being paid less than many players at less impactful positions.

“Middle linebackers don’t always get the love when it comes to contracts,” said ESPN analyst Mina Kimes. “But guys like Roquan change games. He’s smart, explosive, and always around the football. His leadership is off the charts.”

Kimes and others point to a broader disconnect between positional value and player impact. As the league becomes more pass-heavy, hybrid defenders like Smith — who can stuff the run and drop into coverage with ease — are becoming more essential. Yet their market value hasn’t caught up to their on-field contributions.

Respect from Peers and Coaches

Within the Ravens’ locker room, there’s no question about Smith’s worth.

“He’s the tone-setter,” said head coach John Harbaugh. “Roquan brings intensity, preparation, and professionalism every single day. He’s the kind of player you build a defense around.”

Teammates have echoed that sentiment, describing Smith as a vocal leader and a mentor to younger players.

“Everything he does — from watching film to leading huddles — sets the standard,” said safety Kyle Hamilton. “He’s one of the best I’ve ever played with, no question.”

Looking Ahead

Smith’s designation as the most underpaid player at his position may not result in a renegotiated contract — not yet, anyway — but it does underline his importance not just to the Ravens, but to the evolution of the linebacker role in the NFL.

As Baltimore looks to build on its recent success and make another run at a Super Bowl, Smith will be at the center of that effort — both literally and figuratively.

“I don’t play for recognition,” Smith said in a recent interview. “I play to win. I play for my team. Everything else is just noise.”

Still, the numbers don’t lie. At a time when NFL teams are constantly seeking value in a salary-cap world, Roquan Smith may just be the league’s biggest bargain.