CHICAGO – As Chicago Bears first-year general manager Ryan Poles evaluated his players during their preseason opener on Saturday, the most pressing assessment centered around a player standing on the sidelines in a T-shirt and shorts.
What to do with Roquan Smith?
The 25-year-old linebacker is considered by some to be the Bears’ best player, but on Aug. 9, he asked to be traded after talks broke down regarding a contract extension. Smith is heading into the fifth and final year of his rookie contract.
“The deal sent to me is one that would be bad for myself, and for the entire LB market if I signed it,” Smith said in a statement, adding that the new regime doesn’t value him and refused to “negotiate in good faith.