The Roquan Smith Trade Intrigue Just Took Another Step

Roquan Smith continues to send mixed signals about his intention. He attends practices with the Chicago Bears every day. Yet, at the same time, he publicly demands a trade and has an unofficial "representative" calling around the NFL engaging teams on a deal. Whoever this Saint Omni person is doesn't matter. The underlying message is the same. It seems as if the Bears are closer to trading Smith than they are signing him to an extension. That buzz picked up steam on Tuesday when league insider Benjamin Allbright dropped a response to a tweet that Smith would be traveling with the team for their Thursday preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. Allbright is known for accurate information and has hinted at big moves before.

He was quickly challenged on the idea by an outspoken Bears fan. This is where it gets interesting. Allbright made an initial response tweet but quickly deleted it. When asked why, he stated that it was something he wasn't allowed to reveal.

[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Roquan-Smith-Requests-Trade-from-the-Bears.mp4"][/video]

A Roquan Smith trade to Seattle makes tons of sense.

Many will argue the Seahawks are rebuilding. There is no reason for them to do this. That isn't entirely true. Remember, head coach Pete Carroll is 70 years old. His window with the organization is closing. The faster he can make his team a playoff contender, the better. Seattle is switching to a 3-4 defense this year under new defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt. One of his assistants is Sean Desai, the former Bears defensive coordinator. So there is a direct connection with Smith, who has played his entire career in a 3-4. Then there is the ammunition. Thanks to a series of trades, the Seahawks have two 1st and two 2nd round draft picks in 2023. They are well-equipped to make an aggressive move for Roquan Smith if they wish. Salary cap space also isn't an issue. They're projected to have over $40 million next off-season with the ability to create much more. If there is any team that makes perfect sense for a trade, it's the Seahawks. Maybe Allbright is spitballing. Perhaps he is hearing something. Seattle GM John Schneider is no stranger to big trades. He dealt four 1st round picks and a Pro Bowl center for Jamal Adams, Percy Harvin, and Jimmy Graham. Going after a young, ascending talent like Smith is right in his wheelhouse.