Bears linebacker Roquan Smith has had a change of heart. Smith, who had previously said he wouldn’t practice for the Bears and demanded a trade to a team that would give him a lucrative contract extension, has now decided he will play for Chicago this season on his current contract, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said that even though Smith previously wasn’t practicing, he has been engaged in team meetings and should have plenty of time to ramp up for the start of the regular season. The 25-year-old Smith was selected by the Bears with the eighth overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. He will make a guaranteed $9.7 million this season, then hit unrestricted free agency in March. per; PFT
And why? What was all this for? He got a contract offer he didn't like, tried to strong arm the team through the public, then realized he couldn't actually discuss a contract with other teams without proper representation, then finally showed up to practice with nothing to show for it. Now not only are you risking your future income if you get injured, but you can bet DAMN SURE that any contract he signs next - with Chicago or otherwise - will have language protecting them from when he inevitably tries to do it again, because this is two out of two times, now. Roquan and Lamar Jackson are EXACTLY the type of guys that need representation. They're not the brightest bulbs, and stand to lose way more money than they'd pay an agent. Sure, Jackson will be fine - he's a QB, and those guys get paid in this league no matter what. But if Smith has a down year in a new system, or gets hurt playing a 17 game season after not having had a proper training camp to start the season, he could lose way more than he'd pay someone to protect him via a contract. I hope he is actually all in, out there. These situations have a tendency to make things worse unless the player is particularly mature, and Roquan just isn't (from what we've seen). What a waste of time, especially given that Roquan could've gotten a sweet deal with the right representation. Now no one is happy. Good stuff.
Roquan is going to be playing in the final preseason game. I hope he plays all four quarters, personally. Guy has had all of one or two practices in this new defense - let's get him some more exposure before he starts in a game that matters.
Mate! Sorry im late to the congrats but congrats all the same. I hope you're sleeping, you prob arent much. Those first few months are tough as hell but if i could gift you one thing it would be that after that first period and the baby has settled in, it would be that he is a good sleeper. Fuck what a difference that makes when they can go 6-8-10 hours uninterrupted. Our last one was a bad sleeper, never had another. Final tip, i decided a while back im gonna make no effort whatsoever to make them a Bears fan, they can pick any out of division team they want. If you want whats best for him you'll do the same lololol. Anyway, hi everyone, good to be back. I actually could've carried on and taken the damn season off too tbh but then those fuckers at Gamepass raided my account for 150quid! Didn't even give me a warning email, jsut fucking raided it. Obvs some little auto-renewal box that slipped by me on initial purchase. The motherfuckers. Anyway, EB reporting for duty.
Oh and fuck Roquan. I know, you really want one of those $100mil contracts that Leonard and Warner got, don't you. Not happening pipsqueak. You're good, just not nearly that good.
Well come back Ev! Don't forget to get in on my Pick'ems Contest again! This looks a good season for the EB to win again! Anyone else want to join, come on in!
Bears fans know game changing LB’s when they see them. As much as I would love for Roquan to be one he just isn’t. He’s good. Makes a lot of tackles. Makes some really nice plays here and there. But he always leaves us wanting more. He’s not the best off ball LB and it’s not really close. He’s good. Should be over paid a bit. Not setting the market.
