Bears linebacker Roquan Smith returned to practice for the first time this training camp on Saturday, where he addressed the media for the first time since contract negotiations reached an impasse and he requested a trade.
Smith called negotiations “distasteful” and said the Bears put de-escalators in their contract offers.
“I busted my ass for so long here and not being rewarded with something I thought I rightfully deserved,” he said.
But while “contract negotiations are over” at this point, Smith said his focus has shifted to the 2022 season.
“It’s the last year of my deal,” Smith said. “I’m gonna take it and run with it and bet on myself. Negotiations are over right now.”
Smith, who is representing himself without an agent, requested a trade back on Aug. 9. But Smith said the Bears declined his trade request, and his focus has shifted to the regular season.
“I’m going to do it the same way I’ve always done it, 100 miles per hour and won’t let up,” he said.
Without an extension, Smith will play for $9.7 million this season and become an unrestricted free agent in 2023. Although, the Bears have the option to use the franchise tag on him.
But for what it’s worth, Smith didn’t sound like he was closing the door on potentially signing an extension with Chicago. So, there’s still hope.