Why Ryan Poles’ Handling Of Roquan Smith Was Masterclass

Roquan Smith took his seat in front of the Chicago Bears press for the first time in months. What followed was an emotionally-charged Q&A session. It was obvious the All-Pro linebacker wasn’t happy with the situation. However, it was also evident by his presence at practice that same day that he’d conceded defeat. He had challenged new GM Ryan Poles over his desired contract extension, employed every tactic imaginable, and still lost.

It can’t be understated how well Poles handled the situation. There were multiple instances where things could’ve spiraled out of control. The rumors were flying everywhere. Some wondered if he would go with the popular winds and trade Smith to another team. That didn’t happen. Instead, he navigated matters with determination and grace. Now the linebacker is ready to play, and he’s doing it on the Bears’ terms.

How the rookie GM pulled this off cannot and should not go unnoticed. It is a sign the organization may finally have the right man in charge.

1. Ryan Poles had a number in mind and stuck to it.

Smith made it clear during his presser that he wasn’t happy. He called the process “distasteful.” Why? It had nothing to do with any personal slights. The linebacker admitted it was mainly because he didn’t get a deal done. He’d busted his ass for four years, played great football, and felt he should’ve been rewarded with the contract he deserved. Yet the Bears dared to include de-escalators in their offer. This meant if Smith didn’t meet certain obligations of his contract, the Bears could lower his overall salary.

It isn’t like this was some special treatment. Shaquille Leonard, the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL, has de-escalators in his deal. The truth is Poles had a specific number in mind when it came to guaranteed money and average per year. No matter how much Smith complained, he wasn’t willing to go over that number. He had valid reasons for this. Off-the-ball linebackers aren’t as vital to modern defenses, and for all his brilliance over the past four years, Smith has never played in a 4-3 defense. Those variables had to be accounted for.

2. He didn’t let Smith control the narrative.

The linebacker made everything seem pleasant and cordial throughout the negotiating process up until the start of August. That was when he hatched what he probably felt was his perfect ambush. He sent a public statement decrying the Bears’ treatment of him and requesting a trade. It is a classic negotiating tactic. One that has worked in the past. Other GMs would’ve been put on their heels by the move. Ryan Poles didn’t let that happen.

Mere hours after the announcement, he held an impromptu press conference to address the situation. He was honest, stating he’d felt the negotiations were going well and that the Bears had been entirely forthright in their approach. They’d made a strong offer that was record-breaking in some ways. It was disappointing to see Smith take his grievances to the media rather than discuss them with the team. That three-minute sequence immediately took the wind out of the linebacker’s sails, dulling his greatest weapon—fan backlash.

3. He wasn’t afraid to use the leverage he had.

The reality is Ryan Poles had no reason to feel rushed. Chicago had Smith locked in for 2022, thanks to his fifth-year option. One way or another, he would play for the Bears or nobody. He made that clear when he immediately refused to trade the linebacker after hearing the request. Poles also knew he had the franchise tag in his pocket for 2023, meaning he could let the linebacker play this season without an extension without fear of losing him to free agency. Not to mention his prior maneuvers made it so the Bears will have $90-100 million in cap space. So Smith can’t even lean on the idea of the tag being too expensive.

4. He made sure not to turn the screws.

This last part is the most important. One wrong move could’ve made it where Poles alienated Smith, making the chances of an eventual extension impossible. The easiest way to do this would’ve been to fine him for missing practices in training camp. Poles had enough sense not to do that. He understood the delicate nature of negotiations and ensured the linebacker knew the team appreciated him even if talks weren’t going how the two sides wanted. That leaves the door open for a deal to still happen down the line.

An all-around huge victory for the 36-year-old GM.