All-Pro Roquan Smith releases statement requesting a trade "trying to take advantage of me" |
Not ideal news for a Bears team trying to rebound in 2022.
All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith has officially requested for a trade from the Bears during training camp on Tuesday. "Unfortunately, the new front office regime doesn't value me here," Smith tweeted. "They've refused to negotiate in good faith, every step of this journey has been "take it or leave it." The deal sent to me is one t hat would be bad for myself, and for the entire LB market if I signed it. I've been trying to get something done that's fair since April, but their focus has been on trying to take advantage of me. "I wanted to be a Bear for my entire career, help this team bring a Super Bowl back to our city. However, they have left me no choice than to request a trade that allows me to play for an organization that truly values what I bring to the table. I haven't had the chance to talk to the McCaskey family, and maybe they can salvage this, but as of now I don't see a path back to the organization I truly love. I hope and pray you all can understand, I'm deeply sorry it's come to this. Sincerely, Roquan Smith Smith is entering the final year of his rookie contract and it appears that both sides are two far apart on any contract extension. In 2021, the 25-year-old had 163 total tackles with 3 sacks and an interception.
