The Baltimore Ravens might’ve made the best trade of the year this week. 

In adding one of the league’s best linebackers in Roquan Smith, the Ravens have addressed a major issue on its defense and provided a monster who can roam in the middle. 

It helps, in a division with so much firepower like the AFC North, to have a player like Smith to patrol your defense. He’s one of the best around, and Baltimore, as savvy as ever, got a major need filled a day before the trade deadline. 

With the team also adding pass rushers David Ojabo and Tyus Bowser soon off of injury, the Ravens are getting a major jolt to their front seven just in time. 

While Baltimore will still have to do more to help quarterback Lamar Jackson, the team is doing its QB wonders by giving him a much more playoff-ready defense for January. 

While parting with a second-round pick is never easy, the Ravens will likely say down the road it’s more than worth it if they can get Smith signed to a long-term deal. He can become one of the faces of the franchise sooner than later. 

Baltimore is a franchise known for its linebackers, and Smith can be the next great one to play for the Ravens. When we look back on momentum swings in the AFC this season, this one might take the cake.