Multiple NFL writers and analysts reacting to Roquan Smith's trade demand
It was reported a few hours ago that Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith has requested a trade after failing to come to terms on a new contract extension.
Smith said the team's new leadership "doesn't value me here" and "has been trying to take advantage of me." He added that forcing an exit "is deeply painful" as he wanted to play in Chicago for his entire career.
Here is what long-time NFL writer Dan Pompei had to say about the news.
The inability to make Roquan happy sends a bad message to the locker room and the public. Trading him would send a worse message.
I have to agree with him. I think that GM Ryan Poles has clearly fumbled the bag so far by the way he has handled Roquan Smith's contract negotiation. It almost seems like Poles is afraid to open up the checkbook and pay Smith. At only 25 years old, Roquan is just entering the prime of his career and I don't see why you should pay the man.
Here is what Jacob Infante said:
Just woke up to Roquan Smith requesting a trade, man
My only guess is the new #Bears regime doesn't value off-ball LBs enough to pay him $20M? Either way, this is a damn shame. Just pay him what he goddamn deserves.
My only guess is the new #Bears regime doesn't value off-ball LBs enough to pay him $20M? Either way, this is a damn shame. Just pay him what he goddamn deserves.
As for Aaron Lemming, he was very clear in his message:
The longer this Roquan Smith situation drug out, the more likely this situation was to happen.
Without an agent, Roquan is at the front line of the negotiations & that's not always the best place to be.
I understand tearing down but this one just doesn't seem smart. While I understand the Bears likely don't want to make him the highest paid LB in the league, they are flush with cap space moving forward & he's one of their best players & a top leader.
Poles needs to be real careful. I'm sure many on this roster are watching this unfold.
Without an agent, Roquan is at the front line of the negotiations & that's not always the best place to be.
I understand tearing down but this one just doesn't seem smart. While I understand the Bears likely don't want to make him the highest paid LB in the league, they are flush with cap space moving forward & he's one of their best players & a top leader.
Poles needs to be real careful. I'm sure many on this roster are watching this unfold.
Latest 10 stories
