Linebacker Roquan Smith has requested a trade from the Chicago Bears amid difficult contract extension talks. In a written statement requesting a trade, the linebacker said that the”new front office regime doesn’t value me here” and “They’ve refused to negotiate in good faith. Every step of this journey has been ‘take it or leave it.’ The deal sent to me is one that would be bad for myself, and for the entire LB market if I signed it.” Smith is a top-level linebacker and has been stellar for the Bears since he was drafted eighth overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
#Bears All-Pro LB Roquan Smith has requested a trade. pic.twitter.com/x4vmOMhROt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 9, 2022
In his career with the Chicago Bears, Roquan Smith has recorded 348 solo tackles, 525 total tackles, 14 sacks, and five interceptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. Smith has also been named an All-Pro two times as a member of the Chicago Bears. The talented linebacker is only 25 years old and has plenty of good football left in him. If the Bears do decide to grant his request and trade him there will be a long list of teams interested in him.
There’s still over a month until the regular season starts. This is a negotiating tactic by Roquan Smith and it’s probably not an accident it happened the morning of Family Fest at Soldier Field.
Probably wise to see how this plays out before making conclusions on either side.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 9, 2022
Roquan Smith has stated he wants to remain a member of the Chicago Bears and used to be more sure that a deal would get done. Now things have gotten bleaker and his future with the organization is unclear. In his statement, he also stated that “I haven’t had the chance to talk to the McCaskey family, and maybe they can salvage this, but as of right now I don’t see a path back to the organization I truly love.” We here at Def Pen Sports will update the story when the situation is solved. Perhaps he will stay with the Chicago Bears or find a new team that is willing to pay him what he feels he is worth.
