Chicago Bears: 3 Players that should be kept out of trade talks
By Ryan Taylor
Roquan Smith
Roquan Smith is arguably the Bears’ best asset. Smith finished his third season with the Bears last season, recording three total turnovers, 98 solo tackles (fifth in the NFL), and a whopping 18 tackles for loss (second in the NFL).
Smith excelled as a pass coverage linebacker too, surpassing all former pass coverage statistics in his young career. He allowed a career-low 63.3% completion rate when targeted and 5.8 yards per completion (second in the NFL).
The 23-year old inside linebacker had an exceptional season with the Bears. His impact was majorly exposed when he went down with an injury in the final week against the Packers and the NFC wild-card game against the New Orleans Saints. Josh Woods and Joel Iyiegbuniwe were unable to live up to his All-Pro level play.
It is undebatable that Smith’s play was at an elite level with the Bears. His elite play at a young age makes him an extremely valuable player at the moment. He is a player the Bears will not want to lose this offseason, or they will be without one of the best defensive playmakers in the NFL next season. The Bears would be better off trading Khalil Mack than Roquan Smith.