Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith is ready to go in 2022 despite requesting a trade earlier this offseason.
Smith’s trade request wasn’t personal — he’d prefer to remain in Chicago — it was simply a negotiating tactic used by a player who doesn’t have an agent.
The former Georgia standout wants a new contract. But so far, he hasn’t been able to come to an agreement with the Bears.
Whether or not Smith is on the roster beyond this season remains to be seen. But for now, he’s locked in and ready to compete this season.
While he’s now focused on the 2022 season, plenty of others are still talking about his future.
Chicago legend Brian Urlacher, a Hall of Famer who defines what it means to be a Bear, made it clear this week where he stands on the situation.
Urlacher thinks Smith deserves to be paid.
“I just want him to get paid,” said Urlacher. “I think he has earned a new contract. He’s one of the best linebackers in the NFL.”
“I just want him to get paid. I think he has earned a new contract. He’s one of the best linebackers in the NFL.”
– Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher on linebacker Roquan Smith(Via @WGNNews)
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) September 9, 2022
Urlacher is one of the greatest players in Bears franchise history and he’s one of the greatest linebackers of all time.
He’s a player whose words carry a lot of weight.
I know this is a business and Chicago general manager Ryan Poles is trying to get the franchise in a better financial situation.
But Smith is an important player.
He’s loved in the locker room and he delivers on the field.
The Bears can’t let him slip away.
Even if they have to overpay a bit, they have to find a way to keep Smith in Chicago.
