Chicago Bears have an extremely difficult decision that's been pushed back to 2023
On Saturday, the Chicago Bears had a very difficult decision pushed back to 2023. Linebacker Roquan Smith, who requested a trade earlier this month, has officially ended his "hold-in" and is now participating in practice. Smith requested a trade because he hasn't been able to come to an agreement with the front office on a […]
On Saturday, the Chicago Bears had a very difficult decision pushed back to 2023.
Linebacker Roquan Smith, who requested a trade earlier this month, has officially ended his "hold-in" and is now participating in practice.
Smith requested a trade because he hasn't been able to come to an agreement with the front office on a contract extension.
Despite the trade request, Smith is going to play out his contract in Chicago and be a "full go" for the 2022 season.
I always figured this would be the outcome. Smith didn't really have any leverage so the Bears weren't going to be forced into a situation where they had to trade the talented linebacker.
Now this decision will be delayed until next offseason. And it has the potential to get really interesting then.
Smith, who doesn't have an agent, could be franchise tagged by the Bears while the team decides what they want to do (assuming the two sides don't come to an agreement). They could then either trade him or extend him.
Remember, this front office didn't draft Smith. While he's a popular player in the locker room, that doesn't necessarily mean the front office views him as part of the team's future.
However, based on the fact that Chicago made a recent offer, I think we'll eventually see Smith sign an extension to remain with the Bears. He clearly wants to be in Chicago.
It might get ugly next offseason, but my gut tells me Smith is going to be a Bear long-term.
Featured image via Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
