Bears' Roquan Smith sits out Thursday as trade standoff continues

Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (58) warms up during organized team activities at Halas Hall. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Bears LB Roquan Smith sits out practice Thursday as trade standoff continues

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/11/22

After requesting a trade earlier this week, the standoff between the Chicago Bears and linebacker Roquan Smith doesn't appear to be ending anytime soon.

The Bears removed Smith from the PUP list Wednesday, but the 25-year-old sat out practice again on Thursday.

Head coach Matt Eberflus responded with "ask him" when reporters inquired as to why Smith had missed practice, adding "we expect all of our healthy players to practice."

#Bears head coach Matt Eberflus says Roquan Smith has been cleared by the team's medical staff. Says we'll have to ask him why he didn't practice today.

"We expect all of our healthy players to practice."
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 11, 2022

On Tuesday, Smith took to Twitter to not only ask for a trade but vent his frustrations about how the front office handled negotiations. Smith claims the Bears offered a "take it or leave it" deal, and the team was trying to "take advantage" of him.

Smith is reportedly seeking a deal worth more than the five-year, $98.5 million contract given to inside linebacker Darius Leonard by the Indianapolis Colts.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, who appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, the Bears' offer is "very backloaded" and isn't a "real highest-paid offer."

Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said the situation could get interesting, and it's unknown if and when Smith would return to practice.

#Bears head coach Matt Eberflus says Roquan Smith has been cleared by the team's medical staff. Says we'll have to ask him why he didn't practice today.

"We expect all of our healthy players to practice."
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 11, 2022

Selected by the Bears with the No. 8 pick in the 2018 draft, Smith has compiled 524 tackles, 14.0 sacks and five interceptions in 61 career games with Chicago.

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