Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith had an expensive day in Orchard Park, NY last weekend. Smith received a heavy dose of fines for his on-field efforts against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8. He was fined a total of $35,822 for two infractions, one against quarterback Josh Allen, and a second against wide receiver DJ Moore.
The NFL handed Smith a fine of $17,911 for a facemask grab and tug he implemented on quarterback Josh Allen during a successful touchdown sneak, per Tom Pelissero. During the
play, Smith was observed grabbing Allen’s facemask while trying to pull him back, then pulling and twisting the helmet aggressively until it ended up completely backwards — and with Allen’s head and neck turning almost a complete 180 degrees. Smith wasn’t penalized following the play.
Here’s a closer look via still shots available from the play:
Smith was also received an additional fine of $17,911 for unsportsmanlike conduct, which the NFL levied as a hit on a defenseless player. Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 noted that the particular play involved Smith hitting Moore as he was “going across the middle in the 1st quarter as the ball was thrown elsewhere.”
Many wondered if Smith would face discipline following the now-viral play against Allen. He seems to have avoided suspension despite a pattern of concern, as evidenced by Smith’s availability for Thursday Night Football in Week 9, just a few days ago.
Smith is a highly decorated defensive mercenary. This week, however, he’s the one taking a huge hit where it hurts — thanks to a decent bit less of the typical $1,176,470.59 he’s paid per game in 2026.
