SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 23: Roquan Smith #58 of the Chicago Bears in action during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, CA. The Bears defeated the 49ers 14-9. (Photo by Rob Leiter/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears fans woke up to some disappointing news on Tuesday morning.
Roquan Smith requested a trade via a statement posted on Twitter by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The star linebacker, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract, said management “doesn’t value me here” and has “refused to negotiate in good faith.”
“I wanted to be a Bear my whole career, help this team bring a (Super Bowl) to our city,” Smith wrote. “However, I have been left with no choice but to request a trade that will allow me to play for an organization that truly values what I bring to the table.”
One of the few stars left on the Bears roster that already traded Khalil Mack this offseason, Smith compiled 163 tackles and three sacks last season.
NFL Network’s Stacey Dales highlighted the elite company the 25-year-old has played with over his first four seasons.
While losing Smith would be another tough blow for the Bears, the public request could be more of a negotiating tactic to pressure the franchise to come up with a better extension offer.
A star player wanting out, however, puts the franchise in an awkward spot. Smith also posted his request on the day the Bears are holding a Family Fest event at training camp.
Smith said he has not communicated his request directly with the McCaskey family, but that he does not foresee “a path back to the organization that I truly love.” He said playing for the Bears was a dream come true.
The Bears have less than five weeks to resolve this developing situation before opening the 2022 season against the San Francisco 49ers.