LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Whether or not the Bears will trade veteran pass rusher Robert Quinn this offseason remains to be seen. It would certainly make sense for a team in transition, but the price would have to be right.
But for now, the 32-year-old Quinn is still part of the Bears organization and has three years under contract with the team. He has not been present for the majority of this offseason program, including the ongoing OTAs at Halas Hall.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus pointed out that these workouts are voluntary and said he’s not concerned with Quinn’s absence. New defensive line coach Travis Smith agrees with Eberflus and is confident Quinn will arrive ready to produce.
“He's had the career he's had because he's a true veteran,” Smith said of Quinn’s absence. “He understands what it takes.”
Eberflus said the Bears are expecting Quinn to be present in June when the team holds veteran minicamp, which requires players’ attendance. Veteran defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad has also not been present during portions of the offseason program.
Quinn broke the Bears’ single-season record for sacks last season with 18.5, surpassing Hall of Fame defensive lineman Richard Dent’s previous franchise mark of 17.5 from 1984.
The Bears traded star pass rusher Khalil Mack to the Chargers in March, signaling a rebuilding process for their defense. Linebacker Danny Trevathan and nose tackle Eddie Goldman were released while veteran defensive lineman Akiem Hicks and safety Tashaun Gipson were among those not re-signed by the Bears.
The Bears have planned this offseason for Quinn to remain on their roster. He has been present at Halas Hall at times this offseason, including in April when the team recognized him as the Brian Piccolo Award winner.
Quinn said then that he hopes to remain with the Bears this season, even despite the team’s new direction moving forward.
“The only thing I thought of was hopefully my resume or my production from last year gives me a little weight to keep my foot in the building,” Quinn said. “At the end of the day, it's a business.
“I didn’t expect to go anywhere, or want to go anywhere, but again, this is a crazy business.
“If something’s going to happen it’s going to happen, but again, it is what is what it is.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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