NFL
By: Kristy Love
After holding out of training camp and preseason games, Roquan Smith returned to the Field over the weekend for the first time this season. Smith stated in a press conference that they couldn’t work out a number that they both could agree on and a number that he felt he deserves.
Roquan Smith was holding out due to contract negotiations since August 9th. He stated in his press conference over the weekend that “I feel like I’ve busted my ass so long here and not being rewarded with something I thought I rightfully deserved. My number and their number were not the same. I’m moving past it now and I’m focused on the season.”
Smith also stated he will play his final year on contract out with the Bears and he’s taking a gamble on himself. Roquan Smith will get $9.375 million dollars with his last season on the Bears. No official word has come out with what number the Bears offered Roquan however, it’s estimated it’s around 20 million guaranteed.
The Bears will have at least 100 million in cap space after this season. As they struggled during the offseason to get a big name to come to Chicago, they’ll have the money to do so next offseason.
The issue with Roquan and the Bears is the Bears will give a big chunk of his contract towards the backend of his new contract. A lot of his potential earnings would not be guaranteed. With Smith not having an agent representing him, it’s unsure if Roquan walked away from a potentially good deal or if the Bears gave the 2-time pro bowler a good contract.
New general manager Ryan Poles have publicly stated how much he likes Roquan and how he sees a vision with Roquan in the picture however, at the same time Poles stated his primary focus is to build this team up for long-term success.
With new head coach Matt Eberflus and Roquan finally back on the Field, we can see if Smith fits the defense system Eberflus has. If all goes well, the Bears have the option to franchise tag Roquan twice If they wanted to. Meaning Roquan will be a Bear for the next couple of seasons. If the Bears do decide to franchise tag Roquan, the tag will be 15 million for the year.
The Chicago Bears play the Cleveland Browns Saturday, August 27th in Cleveland. The kickoff is at 6:00 pm. Catch the live broadcast on FOX and the NFL network.
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