Is Roquan Smith the best coverage linebacker in the NFL?

Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe Chicago Bears picked up the fifth year option on inside linebacker Roquan Smith back in May in what was a no-brainer of a decision. The 24-year old was coming off the best season of his three year career with a second team All-Pro nod, and he’s just scratching the surface of what he can be in leading the Bears defense.

Now that the market has been reset with recent contracts for the 49ers Fred Warner (5-year, $95.2M, $40.5M guaranteed) and the Colts Darius Leonard (5-year, $99.25M, $52.5M guaranteed), Smith’s $6 million cap hit in 2021 and fifth year hit of $9.75 in 2022 will seem like a bargain once the Bears give him some new paper.

And…