Ravens LB Roquan Smith Changes Jersey Number
The Baltimore Ravens will have their own version of "Agent Zero" for the upcoming NFL season ... and he will be the first to wear it in Charm City.
Baltimore inside linebacker Roquan Smith will wear No. 0 in 2023, the team confirmed on Friday. For Smith, it marks his third jersey number in three years.
The three-time All-Pro previously wore No. 58 during his 4.5 seasons with the Chicago Bears. Following his October 2022 trade to the Ravens, Smith elected to wear No. 18.
Smith started all nine regular-season games in which he played for Baltimore last season. In that span, he compiled 86 total tackles (51 solo,) three passes defended, two sacks, and one interception.
In January, Smith signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension with the Ravens, including $45 million fully guaranteed with $60 million in total guarantees -- making him the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in the NFL at the time of his signing.
Though he is seemingly pleased with his auspicious Ravens debut, Smith is hoping to continue his building a fresh foundation in Charm City.
“I look at the No. 0 as a new beginning — continuing to build a foundation of greatness with the start of a new season,” Smith said via social media statement. “A strong and solid foundation is what you must have before anything else, and you must be willing to work for what comes next. This is my first start of a season with the Ravens, and I see no better number that represents that journey to greatness.”
In March, NFL owners approved a proposal to allow all position groups -- excluding offensive and defensive linemen -- to wear '0' as their jersey number.
In addition to Smith, Philadelphia Eagles running back D'Andre Swift, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley, and New York Giants wideout Parris Campbell are among the league's highest-profile players who have opted to wear No. 0 this season.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL
Follow the Baltimore Ravens Daily Blitz Podcast
Follow Raven Country on Twitter
Ravens Alert! Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Baltimore Ravens?
