Th Chicago Bears were expected to be sellers at the trade deadline, but the team’s latest move has devastated the team’s biggest star.
On Wednesday, the Bears traded defensive end Robert Quinn to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a fourth-round pick.
BREAKING: Bears trading DE Robert Quinn to the Eagles. (via @RapSheet + @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/XQ1K3m0d0l
— NFL (@NFL) October 26, 2022
Unfortunately, the move did not sit well with Bears inside linebacker Roquan Smith. Smith was informed of Quinn’s trade in the middle of his media availability. The NFL’s current leader in tackles was visibly shaken by the news, and left his press conference shortly after.
“Sucks,” said Smith as he buried his face in his shirt, appearing to wipe away tears. “I have a great deal of respect for that guy. Damn. Crazy.”
Roquan Smith learned of the Robert Quinn trade while speaking to the media. He was emotional about it and had to leave the podium. pic.twitter.com/hiKjyn0HxJ
— Brendan Sugrue (@BrendanSugrue) October 26, 2022
Smith and Quinn spent two-plus years anchoring the Bears’ defensive front. It is absolutely understandable why Smith was so moved when he learned of the trade.
This deal hits close to home with Smith. He’s playing on the last year of his contract and is likely to test free agency at the end of the year. However, if Bears GM Ryan Poles aspires to add draft capital, trading Smith might be the most logical way to do so.
It remains to be seen what Poles has up his sleeve as the NFL’s November 1 trade deadline draws nearer. If the Quinn trade tells Bears fans anything, it’s that Chicago could be one of the league’s busiest teams leading up to Tuesday’s 3pm CT deadline.
Featured image via David Banks – USA TODAY Sports
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