GM Ryan Poles faces not one but two significant contract challenges right out of the gates. Just days after news surfaced that 2nd round pick
Jaquan Brisker would not attend the start of training camp due to a contract dispute, Ian Rapoport dropped the news that star linebacker Roquan Smith would be doing the same. This development was always possible since the man is in the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. He wants an extension.
Thus far, the Bears haven't presented an offer he likes. It is a safe bet he's looking to become the highest-paid off-the-ball linebacker in the league. That would put him over $19.7 million per year, a record held by Indianapolis Colts star Darius Leonard. Even worse, Smith has no agent, so the Bears have to deal with him directly. History shows this can hurt negotiations.
Roquan Smith has done this before.
He held out from training camp for weeks as a rookie in 2018, not returning until mid-August. It isn't something he fears hampering his play since he was outstanding that season, coming three tackles shy of Brian Urlacher's rookie record. There is no reason for him to believe missing at least part of training camp will impact his coming season. In his mind, he's played four great seasons for the Bears and has earned that new contract.
Most would agree. This is a problematic situation for Poles. He inherited the situation from Ryan Pace and the previous regime.
Roquan Smith wasn't a player he drafted. They have no prior relationship. That makes negotiations more difficult. We also don't know how highly he values linebackers in the grand scheme. He may feel paying one $20 million a year is way too overpriced. That said, Smith is the best player the Bears have on defense. Making him happy with a new deal would be a good message to send the rest of the roster.
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