Pro Bowl middle linebacker Roquan Smith will lead the Baltimore Ravens’ defense beyond half a season.

How much is the worth of Roquan Smith extended contract with Baltimore Ravens?

A team source confirmed Smith’s five-year extension on Tuesday. The NFL Network reports a $100 million agreement, making Roquan Smith the highest-paid inside linebacker at $20 million per season.

The Ravens can use the franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is completing out the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, after extending Smith.

Since the Ravens acquired him from the Chicago Bears in October for second- and fifth-round draft picks in 2023, Smith, 25, has met expectations. Roquan Smith led the NFL’s third-best defense (18.5) and was nominated to his first Pro Bowl.

Smith wants to “do the things that are required to be a great player and to be a great unit. And then to impact your team,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said on Monday. “I love him because he’s 100% about that. He’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever seen.”

Baltimore’s best second-half player is Smith. The Ravens’ defense ranked 20th in scores allowed (22.9). And 24th in yards allowed in their first eight games sans Smith (364.3). In Smith’s nine games, Baltimore allowed the NFL’s second-fewest points (14.7) and third-fewest yards (288.8).

He is the only player since Ray Lewis to have 100 tackles, multiple sacks. And one interception in each of his first five seasons.

Unc you just snapped??

— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) January 10, 2023