Roquan Smith returns to Bears practice, but no new deal on the table: ‘Whatever happens, happens’
Roquan Smith ended his hold-in with the Bears, returned to practice on Saturday and essentially ended all trade rumors.
But that doesn’t mean the fifth-year linebacker is happy with how the team’s new front office has handled the issue of a long-term contract extension.
“There are no more offers at this time, and I don’t think there will be any more during the season,” Smith said (via NFL.com). “My focus has shifted to the season, so that’s what I’m concentrating on right now. It’s been an amazing four years and, hey, five, why not make something special out of it?
“Well, that’s my plan. … My full intention is to play this season and whatever happens, happens. Whatever I have to go through this season I’ll do it, chin up, chest out, sunsets, no regrets.”
MORE: Roquan Smith Explains Trade Request: Bears have refused to trade in good faith
Smith, who has back-to-back second-team All-Pro seasons in 2020 and 2021, has played in 61 games starting with 59 over four seasons for the Bears. During that time, he has compiled five interceptions for 91 return yards (including a pick-six), 14 sacks, 17 passes defended, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He’s also never had fewer than 101 tackles in a season in Chicago.
But Smith released a statement on Aug. 9 that partially explained why he wanted to leave Chicago:
Unfortunately, the new front office regime doesn’t value me here. They have refused to negotiate in good faith, every step of this journey has been a take it or leave it. The deal sent to me would be bad for me and the entire LB market if I signed it. I’ve been trying to get something fair since April but they’re focused on taking advantage of me.
I’ve wanted to be a bear my entire career and help this team bring a Super Bowl back to our city. However, they gave me no choice but to request a trade that will allow me to play for an organization that genuinely values what I bring to the table.
Following this news, the Bears removed Smith from the list of physically unfit players and held him liable for non-workout fines. Many believed this was an attempt to play with Hardball Smith and get him to return to the field.
MORE: Smith’s mysterious uncertified ‘agent’ leaves more questions than answers
It should be noted that Smith does not have an agent. This briefly caused confusion when Saint Omni, a non-NFLPA certified agent, reached out to teams to gauge trade interest.
Regardless, Smith is back in the Bears’ favor, much to the delight of first-year coach Matt Eberflus.
“We were super excited about it with him,” Eberflus said. “He did singles today. It is in a ramp-up phase to become active again. All the time he trained with the power stick at his side. He’s doing well there, so now let’s just get him to play football. There is a process for that and we are in that process right now.”
However, Smith’s return appears to be only a short-term fix as he and Chicago look to work out a long-term deal — or otherwise part ways after the 2022 season.
“It’s my last year on my deal, and hey, I’m just going to take it, run with it, bet on myself like I’ve always done,” Smith said.