Roquan Smith, a linebacker with the Bears, announced in a written statement that he has asked to be traded after contract talks between himself and the team came to a standstill.
NFL Network shared a statement that Smith wrote on social media on Tuesday. The truth of these communications has been attested to by ESPN.
After Roquan Smith claimed that he had been attempting to negotiate an extension since April, the linebacker commented that the “new front office regime doesn’t value me here.”
Ryan Poles, the general manager of Chicago, responded to Smith’s request for a trade after Tuesday morning’s practice at Soldier Field. Poles declared that he will continue to try to extend Smith’s contract.
The former Georgia star has 14 sacks, at least 101 tackles, an interception, and a pick six since the Bears selected him eighth overall in 2018.
When Smith reported to camp in late July, he was put on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and is scheduled to make $9.7 million in the final year of his rookie contract.
Roquan Smith is projected to play the weakside linebacker position, which is essential to Matt Eberflus’ defense as the Bears transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 base.
Sean Lee in Dallas and Shaquille Leonard in Indianapolis have both been mainstays at the position throughout Eberflus’ career. Leonard signed a five-year, $98.5 million contract last offseason, making him the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL.
When asked if he had made the front office aware of how crucial it was to get Smith on board, Eberflus cited the significance of the role in the overall plan.
With a new contract, Smith showed confidence in his ability to stay in Chicago for the long term and participated fully in both the required minicamp and the optional workouts in April.
The linebacker declared that he intended to play his entire career for the Bears.
At the conclusion of his remarks, Roquan Smith apologized to Bears supporters but expressed little hope that the discussions would improve.
