Bears, Roquan Smith, Staying in Chicago

The Bears have had a great start to the preseason, coming off a 27-11 victory against Seattle on Thursday. However, all-pro linebacker, Roquan Smith, has been the focus of the team since the beginning of training camp due to his contract hold out situation.

Roquan Smith confirmed that he and the Chicago Bears were unable to come to an agreement on a new contract.

After somewhat emotional contract negotiations, Bears all-pro linebacker, Roquan Smith, returned to the practice field this weekend. The Bears confirmed that Smith will play out the final year of his contract and will be a full participant going forward. Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus, expressed how great it was to have Smith back at practice. “We were super excited about that. He did individual today. He's in a ramp-up phase to get back to action.”

Smith has discussed his frustration with the progress of his contract negotiations. He doesn’t feel like the new Bears organization values him, saying, “The new front office regime doesn't value me here.”

Over the weekend at Bears camp, Smith told reporters, “I thought the contract discussions were very distasteful to say the least, wasn’t what I anticipated nor what I expected from the situation. ... It's the last year of my deal and I'm just going to take it, run with it and bet on myself like I've always done.”

By the sound of it, Smith wants to get paid this off-season. Looking at the other linebackers in the league, Smith is undoubtedly in the upper tier of his position. The two time all-pro finished off last season with 163 tackles, along with three sacks and pass break ups. Smith is one of the best off-ball linebackers in the league, and has the ability to rush the quarterback as well.

I expect Smith to be hoping to land a contract this off-season close in value to those of fellow all-pro linebackers, Shaquille Leonard (above) of the Indianapolis Colts, ($98.5 million over 5 years) and Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers, ($95.225 million over 5 years). A contract in this realm may not be out of the question for Smith, depending on how he performs this season. This is a story to keep an eye on this season as it will be interesting to see how Smith plays for the Bears with upcoming free agency.

Head Coach, Matt Eberflus also broke the news today of Smith's availability for the Bears next pre season game coming up this Saturday against the Cleveland Browns, as he is officially expected to play, per @ChicagoBears on twitter.

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By: Anthony Ametrano