The long wait is over for linebacker Roquan Smith and the Chicago Bears as Smith has finally agreed to his rookie contract with the team.
After what seemingly took forever because Smith wanted protections from suspensions due to the new tackle rule in the NFL, the two sides finally came to a deal that will pay the rookie $18 million in guaranteed money over four years with about $11 million in bonuses.
.@RoquanSmith1 agrees to rookie contract with @ChicagoBears: https://t.co/NOQhAjQxeC (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/MmbXvrbUIC
— NFL (@NFL) August 13, 2018
Smith has missed valuable time, missing a ​considerable amount of training camp and the teams first two preseason games because the two sides just couldn’t come to a deal.
After being selected No. 8 overall by the Bears, he was the last of the first-rounders to sign his deal and will finally now join the team, which will allow Bears fans to finally breathe.
Bears are giving LB Roquan Smith a four-year, guaranteed $18 million slotted deal, per the CBA. Deal should include about $11 million in form of bonuses.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 13, 2018
Because of how talented Smith is and the fact that he’s a day one starter, there was a lot of pressure within the organization to get this deal done as soon as possible.
It’s about time the Bears inked their new defensive playmaker. It would’ve been absolutely unacceptable for them to start the season without him out there on defense and fans would’ve been livid had he not been there.
Smart move by Chicago ​giving him what he wants. He’s definitely worth it.
