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When the Bears let go of Roquan Smith — Actually, think about that for a minute: The Chicago Bears, a team famed for its defense at large and its linebackers specifically, dumped a bonafide superstar middle linebacker just entering his prime. Crazy.
Anyway, when general manager Ryan Poles traded Smith to the Ravens in the middle of the 2022 season, there was little doubt he’d make the Bears regret it. Three All-Pro selections later, they surely do. Everyone could see Smith was elite, and he’s been worth every penny of the five-year, $100 million contract that the Bears thought was too pricey.