Lake Forest, Ill.— Less than 24 hours remain until the Chicago Bears veterans report to training camp to prepare for the 2022 regular season, Among the major names that won’t be in attendance include All-Pro Linebacker Roquan Smith, who enters his fifth NFL season.
Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Smith won’t be in attendance for the start of training camp due to a contract dispute. Smith, who appears to not have an agent, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has quickly risen to become one of the best linebackers in the NFL.
A first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Smith has totaled 524 tackles, 43 tackles for loss, 17 quarterback hits, 14 sacks, and 17 pass breakups since entering the NFL. In 2021, Smith totaled a career-high 163 tackles, starting 17 games, en route to being named a second-team All-Pro for the second consecutive season.
As the Bears get ready for head coach Matt Eberflus’ first training camp with the team, having Smith at Halas Hall is of utmost importance. Turnover was prevalent for the Bears on defense this offseason, with names like Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Bilal Nichols, and Danny Trevathan being allowed to leave via free agency, getting released, or traded.
The Bears will have a new-look defense in 2022, meaning the team will have a new identity. As the team continues to transition to a 4-3 defense, having Smith, one of the key faces of the Bears franchise will allow the Bears to mold a new identity on defense that will set the tone for the next few seasons.
For Smith, there appears to be no timeline for reporting to Halas Hall. There haven’t been any serious rumors about Smith negotiating with the Bears and when asked about his contract situation in the past, Smith has simply told reporters he’s focused on what’s ahead of him and playing football.