LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- When linebacker Roquan Smith arrived weeks late to his first NFL training camp in 2018 following a contract impasse with the Bears, he was a budding rookie surrounded by accomplished veterans.
Smith joined the likes of linebacker Danny Trevathan, defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, cornerback Kyle Fuller and cornerback Prince Amukamara. Soon after, star pass rusher Khalil Mack arrived in Chicago in a blockbuster trade.
When the Bears’ defense lined up at voluntary minicamp Tuesday, none of those players was present with Smith on the field.
“More eyes are on you and you’re considered a leader,” Smith said. “An OG in a sense.”
Smith is one of just two starters remaining from the 2018 Bears' dominant defense. Safety Eddie Jackson, who was in his second season in 2018, also remains with the Bears, though he was absent from camp Tuesday.
Smith, 25, is one of just five players from the 2018 team still on the Bears’ roster, along with Jackson, safety DeAndre Houston-Carson, guard Cody Whitehair and long snapper Patrick Scales. A lot has changed at Halas Hall since Smith was selected with the No. 8 overall pick in 2018, as the Bears now have a new general manager in Ryan Poles and a new head coach in Matt Eberflus.
Smith is now the centerpiece of the Bears’ defensive plans, the dynamic linebacker whom Eberflus covets in his scheme. He’s an influential leader in the locker room, a perennial Pro Bowl-caliber player and seemingly a building block for Chicago’s future.
But what comes next for Smith and the Bears is unclear. He’s set to play the fifth year of his rookie contract and earn north of $9 million fully guaranteed, but reaching a long-term deal might not be a simple process.
Smith hasn't hired a representative since former agent Todd France left CAA for Athletes First in September 2020. It was France who guided Smith through his contract impasse as a rookie in 2018. Smith didn't sign on with Athletes First once France left and remains without an agent ahead of anticipated contract negotiations.
Smith is presently positioned as his own lead representative at the bargaining table. He can hire an agent at any time but has elected not to.
“It’s personal at the end of the day,” Smith said in declining to discuss his decision. “All that business is more so my business upstairs. I’m confident we’ll get everything taken care of.”
Related
It’s unclear whether the Smith and the Bears have engaged in contract negotiations. He was tendered the fifth-year option last May by former general manager Ryan Pace, a team-dictated move that’s non-negotiable.
Now, Smith is moving forward without the guidance of an agency. A key data point for Smith's market was set last August when star linebacker Darius Leonard and the Colts struck a five-year deal worth up to $99.2 million and with $52.5 million guaranteed. At the time, Leonard was coached by Eberflus, who's forming plans to utilize Smith the same way in his scheme.
"I think the world of Roquan Smith," Eberflus said.
Whether Smith can land the Leonard deal is a complex matter. It starts with how Eberflus and Poles truly feel about a player they inherited, which is why Smith’s presence at voluntary minicamp this week is important. The Bears certainly recognize his tremendous talent and how his play fits Eberflus’ defense. But does the new Bears regime believe Smith is worth such a significant investment?
That will be the big question at the bargaining table between Smith as he presumably represents himself and the Bears' negotiating team.
Smith is confident his contract situation will work out and that he has a future with the Bears beyond this season.
“Absolutely, yeah,” Smith said. “That’s my plan.”
Extra points
The Bears held their second practice Wednesday of a three-day minicamp at Halas Hall. Jackson and defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad were present after missing the work Tuesday. Muhammad didn't practice.
The Bears will hold their final practice of this minicamp Thursday morning.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.