The Roquan Smith Trade Rumors Are Heating Up Again

Following Roquan Smith this year has been a rollercoaster. He finished the best season of his career in 2021. Then he decided to enter a pivotal off-season with no agent, feeling he could handle contract negotiations himself. Things quickly went sideways as the linebacker let things get personal despite fair negotiating tactics from GM Ryan Poles. Smith turned down a big extension, believing he could play out 2022, dominate, and cash in the following off-season.

That decision appears to have been misguided. Smith had one outstanding game this year against Houston a few weeks ago. Outside of that, he’s been largely disappointing at his new outside linebacker spot. It sounds crazy when the guy is on track for 183 tackles this year. That is misleading. He’s missed several run fits during games and is missing tackles. QBs are also completing more passes in his direction than ever before. The impact plays haven’t been there. It might explain why trade rumors are picking up again, as Eric Edholm of NFL.com showed.

He thinks it might be in the best interests of both sides.

“If the Bears are headed for a top-10 draft pick, why not trade a guy who’s playing out his rookie deal after contentious contract talks broke down this past offseason?

The Bears currently have just six of their own draft picks in 2023 and aren’t projected to receive any additional compensatory selections. Theoretically, the draft is where Ryan Poles will want to go in order to restock the shelves over the next few seasons.

Smith had a late interception and 16 tackles to help the Bears beat the Texans in Week 3. Overall, he has played at a high level this season, with eight or more tackles in every game so far, as he bets on himself to earn the long-term contract he believes he deserves.

Could the Chargers and old friend Brandon Staley (who was on the Bears’ staff in Smith’s rookie season) make an offer? Their run defense has continued to underwhelm, allowing a league-worst 5.8 yards per rush.”

Roquan Smith contract stance will drive this narrative.

It comes down to two things. Where the Bears feel they’re at this season and whether they can still sign the linebacker to an extension. Right now, the team is 2-3. A win on Thursday night might convince the team to hold off from any firesale at the trade deadline on November 1st. Poles doesn’t have to feel any pressure to do something. He has the franchise tag in his back pocket if he doesn’t wish to lose Smith for nothing next year.

That said, this GM has his eye on the future. He’s stated several times he wants to keep the linebacker in Chicago. Yet he’s also not afraid to make tough decisions. If Roquan Smith isn’t willing to ease up his contract demands, the Bears may choose to cut their losses. A 2nd or 3rd round pick is likely the asking price. While that isn’t what fans hope for, it’s something they must prepare to accept. As good as Smith has been since arriving in 2018, his excellence never changed the status quo for the organization.