The Steelers have been searching for an inside linebacker to anchor their defense since Ryan Shazier’s career came to a sudden and tragic end in December 2017.
They may now have their target. The question is, would they be willing to pay the high price?
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Bears linebacker Roquan Smith publicly requested a trade last week, saying the organization’s new front office doesn’t value him and accusing them of negotiating in bad faith. Smith, 25, is in the final year of his rookie contract.
The 2018 first-round pick is coming off two straight seasons in which he was named second-team All-Pro. He’s recorded 98 and 95 tackles, respectively, over that span.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles may say they intend to keep Smith, but if they can’t agree on a contract, it would be better business to trade him and receive compensation. As a budding star linebacker, Smith’s value is high.
In previous eras, the Steelers seldom made blockbuster trades, but that changed with the acquisition of Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Steelers acquired the star safety from the Dolphins in 2019, in exchange for a first-round pick, along with fifth- and sixth-round selections.
The easiest trade proposal for Smith also involves a first-rounder, but the Steelers can get a little creative. With Diontae Johnson now extended, Chase Claypool could be expendable in the right trade, and the Bears have a serious weakness at wideout.
The Steelers could also offer Devin Bush, whom the Bears may view as a prime change of scenario candidate. At the least, he could replace Smith on the depth chart (as in, they play the same position).
Offering Claypool, a bonafide playmaking NFL receiver, could allow the Steelers to slightly lessen the draft capital going back to Chicago. The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi came up with a trade earlier this week that would seemingly satisfy both sides.
Steelers get: Roquan Smith, OT Teven Jenkins, 2023 fifth-round pick
Bears: Chase Claypool, Devin Bush, 2023 second-round pick
While other teams may be willing to offer a first-round selection, including Claypool could put the Steelers over the top. They would also be responsible for signing Smith to an extension, which could be in the neighborhood of five years and $100 million (Darius Leonard money).
But that’s a price worth paying for a stud in the middle. The Steelers get a young All-Pro defender, and the Bears receive a talented receiver, along with draft capital and Bush, a former first-round pick himself.
Who says “no?”