(670 The Score) With long-term contract extension talks failing to progress, Bears linebacker Roquan Smith has requested a trade.
Smith released a statement to NFL Media reporter Ian Rapoport on Tuesday morning in which he claimed the Bears' new regime has "refused to negotiate in good faith" and "doesn't value" him in Chicago.
"I wanted to be a Bears for my entire career, help this team bring a Super Bowl back to our city," Smith said. "However, they have left me no choice than to request a trade that allows me to play for an organization that truly values what I bring to the table."
The 25-year-old Smith, who's currently representing himself and working without an agent, is in the fifth and final year of his contract and is due $9.735 million in fully guaranteed salary in 2022. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2023. The Bears selected Smith at No. 8 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Smith is conducting an apparent contract hold-in during training camp, as he hasn't practiced since reporting on July 26. The Bears placed him on the physically-unable-to-perform list, which is largely considered a procedural move to keep his absence from becoming a distraction. The team declined to reveal whether he's dealing with an actual injury.
First-year Bears general manager Ryan Poles declined comment on Smith's contract status when he addressed reporters on July 26. Poles hasn't been made available for comment since.
Smith has been present with the Bears at Halas Hall, attending meetings and watching practice from the sidelines. New head coach Matt Eberflus has lauded Smith's work even though he hasn't practiced.
"He's being a professional, he's in the meetings and he's doing a good job helping the younger players," Eberflus said.
Smith played in all 17 games last season, recording a career-best 163 combined tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, three sacks and an interception.
The Bears will hold practice Tuesday morning at Soldier Field. Eberflus is scheduled to address reporters after practice.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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