New Info On Roquan Smith Holdout Explains Why It’s Taking So Long

One thing that has become apparent about Roquan Smith is how unpredictable he can be. Not on the field. There he’s as consistent as a player gets. He is so good at everything he does. It is off the field that the young man becomes incredibly frustrating. It started during his rookie year in 2018 when he held out from camp due to a contract dispute. Then the following year, he randomly sat out a Week 4 game against Minnesota for never fully explained reasons. Now here he is again, prepared to sit out more camp practices over a new contract.

That by itself isn’t what makes the situation frustrating. Plenty of players hold out over new deals. It is hardly uncommon. No, what makes Smith’s situation worse is how he’s approaching it. The linebacker has chosen not to hire a professional agent to negotiate the new contract. He is representing himself. This complicates matters for GM Ryan Poles. Talks are more delicate because he’s dealing with the player directly. Not to mention Smith has zero background in these situations. One wrong step can result in the Bears angering their star player.

Yet somehow, it gets even better.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune discussed this topic in his recent column. He mentioned how Smith is likely seeking to become the highest-paid off-the-ball linebacker in the NFL. Indianapolis Colts All-Pro Shaquille Leonard currently holds that title at $19.7 million per year. Smith is within his right to seek a deal that tops that number. However, his approach to getting it from the Bears involves some unorthodox methods.

“All contract negotiations are delicate. All have their own unique circumstances. Smith’s situation is at a different level for a couple of factors. First, he’s a former first-round draft pick who has played very well. He could be in line for an extension that puts him at or near the top of the food chain for off-the-ball linebackers. That figure is approaching $20 million annually. Smith is not registered with an agent, according to the NFLPA, and has not been for a long time. Sources say Smith is being advised by a family member.”

So not only is Smith taking on the difficult task of negotiating his contract, but he’s also getting advice from a family member. There is a strong likelihood that said family member also has a limited background in negotiating NFL deals. So when people talk about Poles and the Bears being the problem in this situation, they need to get their facts straight. Everything about this issue points the finger of blame at Smith.

Roquan Smith created this situation himself.

At his recent press conference, Poles stated that he loves the player and the person. Everything points to the new regime wanting to make this work. Smith is the best player the Bears have on defense. Keeping him in-house and happy would go a long way towards endearing the locker room to them. That said, Poles has a responsibility to the organization. He cannot and will not bend over backward to appease Smith. His job is to get a deal done that works for both sides, not just the player.

The odds favor a deal getting done at some point. That said, one should not ignore the possibility of the Bears exploring the trade market. Roquan Smith is a superstar in his prime. Players like him would fetch a healthy package of picks. The Bears are rebuilding. Sacrificing Smith for the long-term is at least something to consider. Also, don’t forget when Poles listed his most important positions on defense, linebacker wasn’t one of them.

Just something to think about.

In reality, this situation might take time to resolve. Last year T.J. Watt pulled a similar move with the Pittsburgh Steelers, sitting out every practice and preseason game. It wasn’t until September 9th that a deal finally got worked out. Bears fans should prepare for the possibility that the same happens with Smith.