The Roquan Smith issue continues to drag on for the Chicago Bears. It’s the lone distraction for a team that’s otherwise managed to avoid them this offseason. Matt Nagy is settling in as head coach. Mitch Trubisky is getting to know his new offense. There haven’t been any significant injuries so far, which is a blessing. It’s basically what the team’s doing in practice and Smith. That’s it.
So naturally, it’s hard for Bears fans to talk about anything else. They haven’t experienced a first round pick holding out like this before. It’s rather unprecedented and the entire league is fascinated by it. Not because the issue is contentious. Reports hint the two sides remain in communication but because the situation isn’t normal.
Smith is supposedly holding out due to his fears regarding the new NFL helmet rule that could get a player suspended in certain circumstances. This would open the rookie up to losing guaranteed protections in his contract at the discretion of the team. The Bears have promised, verbally, they would not go after those guarantees but Smith wants it in writing.
The problem is if the Bears do that, it sets a trend for all future contracts. Something they aren’t wild about. Thus the standoff continues. Fans are growing frustrated. So at least one veteran tried to calm the masses.
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Prince Amukamara has faith Roquan Smith issue will blow over
Cornerback Prince Amukamara resigned with the Bears back in spring. He’s made every practice since and has been one of the standout players in drills. Expectations are for him to have a big year. When asked about the Smith situation, the 29-year old was able to offer a somewhat informed perspective. Not only has he been in contact with the rookie, but he also knows what Smith is experiencing as Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune explained.
“I spoke to Roquan yesterday and he is working his butt off,” Amukamara said. “He is training hard. I told him, ‘Hey, I was in the same position. You have to trust the process and trust the agent you are with.’ I am sure both sides are close and both sides want to get something done. Hopefully, it happens soon.
“From what everyone saw at OTAs, he has a motor. He definitely is a pro. I am not saying he has it figured out but he is definitely disciplined so I am sure he is taking care of business.”
Amukamara is referring to when he was drafted by the New York Giants in 2011. He too was the longest holdout of that class, not signing his rookie deal until August 4th. Keep in mind this was during the NFL lockout year. So not only did he miss training camp, he ended up missing the preseason and nine games of the regular season because he broke his foot two days after signing.
Did the long time away from practicing have an effect on his body?
It’s hard to say but Amukamara wasn’t much of a factor his rookie season even as the Giants went on to win the Super Bowl. In the end, his time in New York was a disappointment. So it is difficult to take his words of encouragement about Roquan to heart. Working his butt off at home sounds nice but it can’t compare to the physicality and callousing the body needs in training camp.
Even Joey Bosa, who had the longest holdout for a rookie in recent memory, injured his hamstring not long after he signed. It’s not just getting Smith to sign that Bears fans are worried about. It’s getting him signed with enough time for him to be of any help to the team in 2018. The longer this goes on, the greater the odds of that happening become.
