The Bears and Roquan Smith are at a “stalemate,” head coach Matt Nagy says. The lack of progress is likely frustrating for Nagy & Co. as Smith has yet to report to camp. 
“It is at a stalemate, but at the same time I’m not going to get into any more of where it’s at publicly. I don’t think it’s fair to him, I don’t think it’s fair to his agent, I don’t think it’s fair to our organization. We’re going to keep it between us and I think that’s the best thing to do right now,” Nagy said (via Mark Potash of the Sun Times).
The main holdup in talks may be related to the forfeiture of guarantees in the event of a suspension. This year, the league has introduced a new rule this offseason that could result in players getting suspended for lowering their helmets on hits. If the league starts handing out suspensions en masse, Smith’s agents do not want him to lose his financial security.
Meanwhile, one report says the real issue is language that allows the team to void guarantees for many different reasons, including team-imposed discipline. Whatever the holdup is, it’s becoming an problem.
Only four first-round picks have held out in the last five years. Under the current CBA, Smith’s holdout is the second-longest behind Joey Bosa’s 31-day holdout with the Chargers in 2016. The good news for the Bears is this – Bosa was stellar despite missing practices and went on to win the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year trophy.
The Bears are blowing it. I’ve read several articles about this mess and every one blames the Bears for trying to pull a fast one with regard to covering the kid’s salary if he gets suspended under the new “helmet rule”. There will be a number of infractions simply because of how unclear enforcement will be. Typical McKaskey(sp). SMH
No question the Bears are currently losing the PR battle, and that they will continue to lose it. This is an embarrassment to the organization. It’s a shame, too, because they really did have a solid off-season prior to this.
I doubt the front office people in Chicago feel embarrassed at all by the Roquan saga. They paid Mike Glennon something like 18 million for one win and weren’t embarrassed by that…so this is just business as usual for them.
I agree. But McCaskey*
Let’s hope Roquan is more convincing as a linebacker than he is as a pitcher.
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