Things are not going well for the Chicago Bears leading into the 2022 NFL season.
One of their wide receivers, N’Keal Harry, is sidelined with an injury and will likely be out for eight weeks.
Meanwhile, they have to address Roquan Smith‘s request for a trade.
The two-time All-Pro middle linebacker asked to be dealt elsewhere after playing four seasons with the Bears.
Throughout those years, the former Georgia standout compiled 348 solo tackles, 17 passes defended, 14 sacks, and five interceptions.
Last season, he also had a career-high 17 tackles in a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Now, the Bears have made a move for Smith, but it’s not the one he wanted.
The #Bears have removed LB Roquan Smith, who is holding in and not practicing because of contractual issues, from the PUP list. Smith has requested a trade and is not expected to begin practicing, regardless.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 10, 2022
NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport tweeted, “The #Bears have removed LB Roquan Smith, who is holding in and not practicing because of contractual issues, from the PUP list. Smith has requested a trade and is not expected to begin practicing, regardless.”
In that case, Smith should attend practices given that he does not have any known injury anymore.
After all, the Bears couldn’t keep him in PUP if Smith is perfectly healthy.
Best Trading Spots For Smith
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports identified five ideal teams for the former Georgia standout.
One of which is the Dallas Cowboys to replace Leighton Vander Esch.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos could also be a strong candidate because his game benefits well with Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory.
The New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens could also trade for Smith given their shallow rotation at middle linebacker.
Finally, the Miami Dolphins could continue their roster-building by adding him to a defense that already has Xavien Howard, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Jaelan Phillips.