First reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Roquan Smith will reporting to the Chicago Bears mandatory training camp on Tuesday, July 26. Smith, who is entering the fifth year of his rookie deal, is reportedly holding out until he receives a “fair” contract offer from Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears
This season, the 25 year old star was set to make just $9.376 million, which would place him outside the top 10 paid linebackers in the NFL. As most around the NFL community consider Smith to be a top seven linebacker in the league, it is likely Smith is holding out for the same reasons — he wants to get paid like the elite player he’s become.
In 2021, Smith tallied 111 tackles, three sacks, 12 tackles for a loss, and one interception. In 2022, with the departure of star defensive end Khalil Mack, Smith will be the focal point of the rather weak Chicago defense.
Smith is now added to the long list of disgruntled Chicago Bears, as rookie safety Jaqaun Brisker remains unsigned, and veteran edge-rusher Robert Quinn failed to report to the Bears mandatory mini-camp.
