Chicago Bears: Buying or selling top storylines out of training camp
You shouldn’t be concerned about the Roquan Smith contract situation
Selling
The frustration is mounting each day that Roquan Smith is not at camp. The assumption was that it was some sort of off-set language that is stalling the process. Head coach Matt Nagy disclosed what might be the hiccup in the negotiations.
Bears HC Matt Nagy just now on whether Roquan Smith impasse involves language related to discipline regarding the new rule prohibiting a player from initiating contact with his helmet: “That’s part of the issue.”
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) July 28, 2018
Smith’s representation (Creative Artists Agency) is the same one that was solely responsible for the Joey Bosa holdout in 2016. If you remember, Bosa missed the entirety of Los Angles Chargers training camp and preseason. Eventually, they agreed to a deal, and it seems to have not bothered Bosa’s career trajectory.
For Smith, he’s missing valuable reps at the position. The coaches are counting on Smith to be the quarterback of the defense. Right now, third-year man Nick Kwiatkoski is playing in Smith’s place, and having a solid camp according to reports.
The longer this drags out the longer it will take for Smith to crack the starting position. I doubt Fangio feels comfortable throwing Smith out there Week 1. Especially against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers with zero practices and no preseason experiences.
Related Story. Bears: First unofficial depth chart released. light
I know this for certain, Smith better be good. If we learned anything from the Bears fan base, they have no sympathy for underperforming players. In Smith’s case, it will get ugly if he doesn’t pan out.