NFL Fines Ravens LB Roquan Smith $35,822 for Illegal Hits

Baltimore Ravens Linebacker Roquan Smith Fined $35,822 by NFL Following Week 8 Loss to Buffalo Bills

The National Football League came down hard on Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith on Saturday. The league handed Smith a pair of fines totaling $35,822 stemming from the Ravens’ blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 8, penalizing the defender for a facemask infraction against Bills quarterback Josh Allen alongside a separate hit on a defenseless player.

The discipline arrives from a pair of incidents. Tom Pelissero of The Ringer shared on his official X account that Smith was fined $17,911 for twisting Josh Allen’s head on a touchdown play during last week’s matchup. Bills reporter Sal Capaccio added via his official X account that the figure was because it marked Smith’s second offense of that specific nature this season, following an earlier $11,941 fine for a facemask penalty in Week 2. A matching fine of $17,911 for hitting a defenseless player on a different play brought the total penalty package to $35,822.

Roquan Smith Fined $35,822 for Josh Allen Facemask and DJ Moore Hit | Ravens vs Bills

Contract Realities and on-Field Production for Baltimore

These financial penalties land during a crucial stretch for a player carrying expectations in Baltimore. Smith established himself as one of the NFL’s elite defenders and signed a 5-year, $100 million contract extension with the Ravens prior to the 2023 season.

He knows what’s coming before the play and plays with reckless abandon. — Anonymous AFC coach

Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic pointed to Smith as the player on Baltimore’s roster with the “most on the line” in 2026 following a 2025 campaign where the defense he leads struggled and Smith finished without a sack or interception for the first time in his career. His 130 tackles in 2025 represented his lowest total since 2019, when he played just 12 games. Smith turns 30 in April. Cutting him next offseason would create $20 million in salary-cap savings for the organization.

Where Smith Stands Among Elite NFL Defenders

Despite the statistical dip and the recent disciplinary action, league peers still view Smith as being held in high regard. ESPN’s annual position rankings, compiled through votes from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, placed Smith at No. 2 for the second consecutive season, trailing San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner.

Through 9 games, Smith leads the 4-5 Ravens with 74 tackles. He also remains 1 of only 2 NFL players to record at least 130 tackles in each of the last 6 seasons, sharing that milestone with future Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner.