BREAKING: Roquan Smith is back at practice!!!
We finally have some good news on the Roquan Smith situation!
Indeed, Brad Biggs reported that LB Roqun Smith was back at practice for the first time since the start of training camp.
Bears senior writer Larry Mayer spoke on the situation.
Entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract, Smith has been seeking a long-term extension. He participated in the entire offseason program but opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list. The 2018 first-round pick from Georgia was removed from the PUP list Aug. 10 but hadn't practiced until Saturday.
On Aug. 9, Smith released a statement requesting a trade, indicating that he wanted to be dealt to another team in part because he felt the Bears didn't value him and weren't negotiating in good faith.
Hours later, general manager Ryan Poles addressed the situation in an impromptu press conference following the Bears' Family Fest practice at Soldier Field.
Ian Rapoport also cleared up the situation.
He'll be full go moving forward.
Poles said that his feelings about Smith as a player and a person hadn't changed. The Bears GM also revealed that "my intentions are to sign Roquan to this team" and "we're doing everything we can to get this done."
As for that potential extension, Brad Biggs of the Tribune has a relatively optimistic appraisal of the situation:
«I still believe the most likely outcome will be an extension for Smith. It's the prudent move for him. And maybe digging in his heels will result in some concessions by the club. Too many signs point to the Bears and smith sticking this thing out. Stranger things have happened, but my hunch is they find a way to make this happen.»
